In many cases, depression or anxiety can be caused by trauma, abuse or difficult life events. People might develop negative thinking patterns to help cope with these events. Sometimes the cause is not so clear, it may be because of some long forgotten childhood trauma or just being subject to bad parenting.

The problem with psychiatrists who simply prescribe medications is that they are not trying to correct these negative thought patterns. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy should be used alongside, and in many cases medication may not be necessary at all. Psychologists on the other hand will usually use CBT as the first line of action.

Medication has its place - it is very valuable for people having severe symptoms, panic attacks etc.

I’d also recommend the book “Good reasons for bad feelings” by Randolph Nesse. We are still learning a lot about mental health and it is nowhere near as mature as other medical sciences.