We need more research on therapies and medications that can help the approximately one third that we cannot currently reach. It IS a very pressing issue, indeed.

SO GLAD you're OK!

THAT is a really tough nut to crack, but i think the aca is going to make a major difference. when people can go to the er without the fear of going broke, that will make a difference for millions.

you were very lucky. the trial and error of psyche meds can really wear a person down. it took me half dozen ad's over the years to find one that works for me. hopefully science will sharpen this process.
daughter could really use some meds, but has given up after trials when she was still a teen, and in a seriously complex place.

people, keep trying. keep looking. keep hope.

They have groups for people with addictions to drugs or alcohol, but depressed people often have no groups to go to if they are depressed and don't have an addiction. I am referring to a friend of mine who was depressed due to their unemployment situation, and had no addictions. The county mental hospital gave them ONE HOUR A WEEK of recreational therapy, which usually consisted of playing Pictionary with the other patients.

Anybody can play Pictionary outside the mental hospital, without spending taxpayers' money.

No point in getting into what all that entails other than to say behaviors that use pain to reinforce a sense of connection to reality. For me pain is an icon of reality. Yes, well, I am mentally disordered...

But all that induces post event self-judgements which are, well, overwhelmingly depressing. My personal experience is anti-depressants seems to do nothing for negative self-judgements which were largely correct. You can't fix what isn't broke, even when that thing, negative self-assessment, sucks out all hope.

The pharmaceutical industry has products to sell. And they do. The anti-depressants work for some people, and I'm glad those people get relief.