Depression afflicts many of us at some stage in our life. John is no exception. In this video he reflects on his own experience of depression and whether, in fact, depression can be our teacher. Being half-Russian also gives John a deeper insight into the nature of depression - not only at a personal level but maybe as part of a national psyche. He tells us how he unexpectedly started a degree in Russian Studies at Nottingham University aged 51 and, after graduation, spent 5 1/2 years in Russia - "One of the most fulfilling and interesting times of my life". As he explains, "Accustomed to being half-different, Russia showed me a world where the 'difference' belonged. It made me completely happy