I think one problem specific to the U.S and pharmaceuticals...is the way pharmaceuticals are marketed. I mean I am sure we've all seen the ads...'feeling down, talk to your doctor about this anti-depressant' so they do heavily market the stuff. I think sometimes people do need medications to help treat their symptoms, though therapy and other treatments are a good idea as well. With your example of hurting yourself and having the doctor treat the wound...well yes I would want them to treat the wound but if its causing severe pain I would certainly appreciate some kind of pain killer while healing.

But yes i think there are lots of problems having to do with the pharmaceutical industry, and I would not be surprised if they have a hand in influencing the government to overlook the medicinal benefits of cannabis(nonetheless there are still quite a lot of studies on the matter)...I think they find the idea of alternative treatments threatening to their profit.

Also though I think a lot of problems in this very society contribute to mental illness, so perhaps addressing some of those things would help improve peoples general mental health over-all but it takes a long time for things to change it seems and it's not always for the better.

With all that said it is up to the individual with a mental illness or condition to seek out treatment and make decisions about what sort of treatment they want..it is good to educate oneself and seek out advice of professionals(but don't accept everything they say as 'absolute truth'. Another barrier to treatment though is being unable to afford it.