[KorfmannArno]

But how would a depressed individual (I'm talking extreme depression) be able to consult multiple doctors and try different medications which also only become effective after several weeks?

This sounds like a task a healthy individual could carry out, but a depressed person is suffering every minute, they need immediate relief.

I saw that esketamine got approved both in the US and EU, but it's only prescribed after 2 classical medications failed.

How is a person suffering daily expected to wait so long?

Of course there will be many suicides still.

[01100011]

I'm bipolar with a touch of OCD so I know the struggle. I've managed to get by with illicit substances and nicotine at times but I know that's not a real option for most people. When I finally decided to seek help, the first psychiatrist I saw was nuttier than I was though.

If someone is extremely depressed, they probably aren't even going to seek out help. It's up to the people around them, if there are any, to try to get them the best care. What I was getting at with my comment isn't so much for the emergency situation as it is for the long term. You have to start somewhere, but then continue to push for better. Honestly, even healthy folks have issues with fighting for the best care though.

The real solution, if there is one, for mental health is to have healthy, intact families, communities, police, social workers, medical systems and governments all coordinating, but now that looks like a pipe dream so we do what we can.

[bananamerica]

Many people live with spouses, friends, or relatives that can help with that.

And some actually can take their medication as prescribed. I (bipolar disorder) certainly could and can. It’s a very low effort treatment. Just take the pills.