But might help get someone to next week or next month or next year where they might feel different about life.

This is one of those things where you don't "do nothing because you cannot completely solve the problem".

I do disagree though - suicides of the young/healthy are often a sad waste, depression needs perspective which you cannot find by simply looking in the mirror.

But depressed persons who receive treatment are less likely to commit suicide.

That's the bottom line. We can't save everyone. But we can save more than just letting it happen.

I think the very existence of "professional therapy" is a factor in FAVOR of depression and suicide.

It means that as a society we have compartmentalised social life, so that the help one previously expected from his family/friends (and ultimately: from the way he can structure his life) is now to be had from paid professionals (or tacky volunteers).