In the News Talking about mental illness helped mum understand her depression and unify our family. How to start that conversation Anthea Rowan’s mother has battled depression for decades. From a young age, her family had an open dialogue about mental health. She explains how best to open up and talks to doctors about why it is beneficial. South China Morning Post interviews Dr Frances Cheng Depression treatment: drugs, behavioural or electroconvulsive therapy – which works the best? ECT has been used to treat depression and other mental illnesses for 80 years. A study suggests it may be more effective than previously thought, and comes at a time when views about using medication to treat depression are changing. South China Morning Post interviews Dr Frances Cheng Why you can’t eat your way to happiness – one woman’s story of swapping antidepressants for oat cakes and feeling more depressed It takes a lot more than camomile tea and gluten-free breakfasts to fend off mental illness; as writer’s mother found, you’ve got to have a desire to be happy before you can embrace a diet that brings wellness. South China Morning Post interviews Dr Frances Cheng