Once again we have a situation where it's cheeper to hand out pills (S.S.R.I.'s) etc. than it is to treat the cause of the proplem.  Most causes of depression are enviornmental/cognivive in origin.

As a society if we eacknowledged this, we might have to rethink where we are heading as a society.

Medication used in conjunction with mental health support (Psychology, Psychotherapy, Counselling) etc has been proven to be of greater long term benefit to patients, than just medication on its own.  What happens when the Doctor weans the patient off the medication when the patient has stabilised.  The problems that were causing the anxiety are still there and all the old habits/problems return, so we try another typy of medication and the poor patient finds themselves classified/pigeonholed for life.

Early intervention, continuing support and genuine empathy can go a long way in helping the patient to feel less isolated and become a productive members of society and so feel valued. Because its when a human feels useless, undervalued, and that no one cares is when depression becomes pathalogical.

It is typical of our healthcare system (and indeed not exclusive to our country). Treat the symptoms as they appear, whatever you do dont treat the cause, you might have to dig deeper or work harder. Regardless of the ailment most people leave doctors surgeries with prescriptions for either antiB's or pred, or a letter passing your problem on to someone else aka a referral.