I'm someone who does not appear to be biologically predisposed to depression. I have attempted suicide (at age 17), I have been hospitalized for being suicidal (in my twenties) and I do still sometimes become suddenly suicidal.
I have a medical condition that sometimes suddenly and dramatically negatively impacts my brain chemistry. I also have a great many very serious problems that are hard to overcome. They aren't "easily overcome BS."
For some people, the metaphorical flames are a very serious matter. Not everyone has a cushy life where a bad grade is their biggest fear.
We shouldn't think that having a cushy life makes anything less real. By some people's standards, DFW's life was pretty cushy, but his suffering sounds real to me.
I have a medical condition that sometimes suddenly and dramatically negatively impacts my brain chemistry. I also have a great many very serious problems that are hard to overcome. They aren't "easily overcome BS."
For some people, the metaphorical flames are a very serious matter. Not everyone has a cushy life where a bad grade is their biggest fear.