Tom, you're an intelligent guy, and I don't think you have any malice here (although old Rupert, may not be your favorite poster?
) but surely you can recognize that we are not all alike and almost every brain on earth is wired a little differently.
What you are saying may indeed apply to you personally, and if you were to off yourself, we would know that...according to your own analysis, it would be a cowardly act. However, that does not necessarily apply to others. I have a fear of heights (with damn good reason!
) and it could make me appear cowardly in the right/wrong circumstances. I'm almost 70...I've been called a lot of things but never a coward.....not to my face or behind my back without consequences. I just think your choice of words does not apply in circumstances of deep clinical depression. It does apply when a pervert that guns down innocent victims then blows himself away when cornered to avoid facing his horrific acts.
I urge you to do some research, read more material from those that have or do suffer this debilitating disease, and how the effects twist the rational mind.
Here is a starter, but the internet is full of meaningful information regarding depression. What you think doesn't matter much here one way or another, but there may come a time when being well informed might make a difference in the life of someone close to you......or even to you. There are no guarantees in this life, no one is immune to disaster no matter how much tolerance they may have, or how much inner strength or courage they have today. I doubt any of those brave Soldiers ever though they were weak or suicide prone....and they weren't. They weren't cowards either.
For A Comic Like Robin Williams, Depression Can Wait 2 Steps Offstage : NPR
You aren't a mean guy, or vindictive toward the dead , just try to look at it in a different light..... one of almost total darkness and void of hope. We are all in the same boat, and none of us are unsinkable.
Best Regards!