Are there people watching you at the Golden Gate Bridge ?

There's video cameras all over the bridge .

There are probably cameras.

There are cameras on the bridge which is probably how the patrol officers noticed you.  You appeared to fit the profile of somebody who was contemplating jumping from the bridge.   The patrol officers are trained how to talk somebody down which is what they did.

I'm sure your family was relieved that they did their job and saved you from even going over the rail.   

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.  The last year has seen a huge spike in depression and suicide.  You aren't alone and you don't have to stay miserable.

I wish you peace and renewal.

Well good for them!

With the amount of people who've jumped or attempted to jump off the bridge and many other bridges, they have every right to assume and take precaution. They probably have cameras everywhere because of it, and it's possible someone driving by saw you and called it in as well. You were alone, appearing depressed, so it only makes sense that they'd be worried. You can't always tell if someone is suicidal but there are plenty of tells to watch out for, and it's way better to be safe than be sorry. Part of their duty is to protect people. That's what gives them the right to detain you. Whether you're suicidal or not, they can't be 100% sure until they get you out of the situation of where you may or may not be looking to hurt or kill yourself. Anybody, including depressed people, can claim that they're ok and nothing is wrong and they're not going to do anything, but on the off chance that they were to actually take someone at their word on that and leave, and then that person goes ahead and jumps, as you might imagine, that's not a very good situation for anyone involved. It also depends on how you react in the situation when they confront you. If you suddenly become all confrontational and defensive, that's also a bad sign. They'll be much more responsive if you go along quietly. This isn't the definition of a cringe experience. They're just doing their job and trying to protect and keep people safe. Sorry, but this is all just plain and simple common sense, which you've failed to comprehend.