I'm a recovering alcoholic who has also been treated for a major depression most of my life. Personally I don't think someone who suffers from depression should "hit bottom" either. While alcoholism and depression are both mental illnesses they are different. An alcoholic hitting bottom sees that they can't drink any longer and must get help to stop. They see the consequences of drinking.
But when my depression gets worse, I'm not capable of rational thinking. In my "depression think" I believe life is hopeless and I'm the worst, most horrible person on earth. This is when I need a shrink to bring me out of the place with medication and therapy so I can see I need help.
This is my OWN experience with these two diseases, my opinion. I'm not a doctor.
Good luck!