Essentially I'm questioning this common idea that talking about depression will alleviate it, and maybe prevent suicide. I'm not saying that it doesn't, I'm just asking for evidence that it does. My anecdotal experience is that people who talk about it, solidify it into their outward personality. I'm not sure it's a good thing, but other posters seem to have had good outcomes.
The alternative is that they put on a mask to function in society, because they don't want to be a burden, all the while dying inside...
Until they unexpectedly disappear, because they've committed suicide.