Because we're attached. Because people in your inner circle are 6 times more likely to do it themselves if you do. Because the detachment we depressives feel is the big lie that allows us to isolate but doesn't provide that indulgence to those who love us.

Your depression blunts your feelings about us, but not ours about you.

Because Vicki by ending the pain you are causing anguish and suffering for those who are left behind as they try understand why you ended your pain.

I wouldn't put it as whether it is someone else's business or not. I would wonder why someone cares about me when I am finding it so hard to care about myself. I would try to accept that another person cares about me and wishes to support me, give me strength, even if the words are hard to hear or believe. We all need to feel connection with others if we are to heal and decrease our pain. Changing our way of thinking is absolutely necessary in order to deal with depression. If you could somehow change your thinking to be grateful for the support being offered, you might find it very helpful. Even if you resent what is being said, or feel defensive, it would be good not to push away this person. Thank them for their concern and go on your way. Be kind, when it is no doubt kindness that is being offered to you, despite how it seems.

I understand very well how it feels that I just can't take it anymore. After .y son and his fiance and unborn child died, I wanted to be with them. But who would take care of my dog? And my family and friends would be devastated if I killed myself. It hurts so bad, I try to take one day at a time, or even a half day at a time. I'm sad every day and my family and friends are very supportive. How many can say they watched their son kill his pregnant Transgender boyfriend biologically female and then himself? I saw it happen. After I got across the street to check on them ( I use a walker) they were both dying. I picked up the gun in case my son tried to get it.
I was lucky the cops didn't shoot me at the time. Luckily both neighbors had cameras security in place. But you'd think they would have checked my hands for traces of gun powder residue but they didn't. They wouldn't let me say goodbye to my son. Now that's a good reason to be depressed and I'm trying to get over it. You will be okay one day. Just stop thinking about it so much. Write in a journal, take up a hobby. Lots of love to you and gentle hugs. You are not alone

Vicki, one thing that has really helped me is to look at the past as being gone...only existing in my memories. Whatever period of time you dedicated to caring for your relatives was a time of service, and in my mind there is no greater kindness you can offer, no better function a person can provide in a spiritual sense. This was not wasted time...it had meaning! Many of us have a very hard time finding meaning in our lives. You are now in a place where you have to find new meaning. You tell yourself you "have no life", but I will ask you to question yourself about that statement. What do you really mean? If caring for others gave you meaning, you can still do that as a volunteer or in another caretaking role. But if you spent all that time resenting your role, then you need to accept that it was a decision you made, for better or worse, and now that time is past. Put it behind you and change your thinking to see that there are options for you now, opportunities occur every day to learn something new or share time with friends. If you are lonely, look into what activities you might undertake to meet new people. This is a experience we all go through. It is what life is all about: getting to know ourselves and learning to love ourselves just as we are, with all our weaknesses and imperfections. I hope it will be possible for you to see that life still has something to offer you and that you are indeed strong enough to face what comes. Your cat loves you and would not be just as happy with someone else. Take it one day at a time, but set an intention that you will give life a chance. The past is no longer relevant. Please give my words a chance to sink in....I am hoping you will find a way to go on. Things will get better.