I don't disagree that pharmaceuticals cannot help temporarily, but I do think it is not a permanent treatment. I think the deep seated issue would just come back to haunt said person in the future, in some way shape or form. All my non-professional opinion of course.

I sometimes notice that our reward system with respect to dopamine is quite screwed in the western world anyways, with everybody hyped up on coca cola, mcdonalds and processed foods.

I think a depressed person just having somebody to listen to can be a great help. Someone that actually cares, rather than telling them to just "be happy". Of course, admitting you are depressed in the first place is an achievement in itself. (Not directed at any poster, just in general).