That's often the case but not always.I'm sure we can all think of situations where,if given the choice,suicide would be the better alternative.Not that we'll ever experience such a situation.
No, it might feel like suicide is the better choice, but most horrible things can be out lived. People get exhaused from being miserable and habituate to the experiecen.
Years ago I knew a couple who had met in a concentration camp - lived through it, married, had children and passed away. I asked the woman what kept her going and she said it was a blessing that she smoked - and every day she would wake up with the goal of finding a cigeratte butt. Her little group would combine the tobacco and try to come up with one smokable item a day... And that was it. Her husband to be ( a man 6'2") was 90 some pounds when they got out... But I digress. What she did was "dumb her expectations down" - and within the confines of total horror she created a life.
It's the way.
When faces with horror, decided if you can make it through the next hour. And if the next hour is too horrible to contemplate, see if you're OK for the next 10 minutes.
And if that doesn't work, look around yourself and see if the next minute is OK.
Bring your expectations down. Are you thirsty? Hungry? At this moment? Cold? At this VERY moment - this 30 second time period - are you OK?
And with the exception of being mauled by a bear or something, most of us can get through a 30 second period of time. Then start building...