Life is depressing, and I can't say I'm all that happy about the state of things either.
But remember that these people are fighting uphill against oppressive governments, cruel people, and institutions that help them only enough that they join the cult, be it religious or government, or some other societal movement.
The only way to truly help people is to offer them education, and if that does not work, love. Just love. Nothing else is necessary except love, although giving them food, clothing, and knowledge is also quite lovely.