answer:I think it requires an overwhelming feeling that things will always be “this bad”, or will never improve. And a feeling of being in a bad place and having a really bad quality of life in the first place. Unless the person does, and he/she can’t get out of it. I’d say more often than not, it seems like a way out when it really isn’t. Sometimes though, if quality of life cannot be improved, it can be a conscious choice. (Terminal patients, not being allowed assisted suicide, etc.) Although I’m using conscious as a decision taken with a clearer mind. The issue with mental illness is that often you’re not thinking rationally, or perceiving and in the end deciding in at least a well thought of manner.