It is a common view that it takes a very long time to get an appointment with a psychiatrist. This is usually not the case in an emergency if the general practitioner makes direct contact by phone with the psychiatrist. The fear of having to into a psychiatric ward is real. Depression usually can be treated without hospitalization. But if one did have to go into hospital, true friends would be supportive.
Psychiatrists do hand out pills.
In the case of depression antidepresants can bring about wonderful healing. Antidepresants have bothersome side-effects but these gradually diminish. The end result can bring great hope of healing. Psychiatrists do study the whole psychological history of a person. But the timing of psychotherapy is crucial.