A question : is it usual that a pilot would get an ATPL despite a past history of suicidal tendencies ?
Sort of the wrong question, albeit same outcome. It should be "
can such a person get a Class 1 Medical?".
That said, I do not know the answer...
It does raise the issue with regard as to how responsible Lufthansa / Germanwings are? For many airlines, the past medical history is unknown to them - all they can see is if you have a valid Licence and Medical. It might be that Lufthansa do go beyond, especially via any cadet system - but the bottom line remains the same: if this pilot should
not have been flying, that is not a matter for the airline, provided he had the correct Medical etc. It is for the Regulator (EASA and/or LBA) to answer, albeit I am sure they will try to keep their heads low.