[sascha_sl]

Of course mood affecting disorders exist on their own, it is just that they are heavily exacerbated in those susceptible to them if they have to constantly stress about their existence. By band-aid I meant more that they are a detraction from the root cause. As I said before, our forms of treatment can not cure these conditions as long as the root cause is not tackled.

[adamsea]

Mostly agreed. However with, bipolar disorder for example, I'm not sure that the problems with our society are the root cause ... though I suppose perhaps increased pollutants might cause more issues with children/birth.

But still, my point is I don't believe 100% of mental health issues have the dysfunctions in our society as their root cause.

Which isn't to say that some do and that it's not a big deal - it is.