He didn’t do it to his parents. Saying something like they suggests his parents might have had some control over the outcome of his life. He thought the hole he was in was too deep to get out of.
My first occurance was in the 70's. The thing that surprised me was my doctor in talking to me ask if it was possible someone on campus could have put something in my coffee..I had very atypical symptoms.....
Who knows, it was the early 70's and lots of people were doing drugs, (not me) the thought that someone could have put something in my drink on campus was not anything I could think of someone doing..
Now adays its done lots, No one can really understands depression unless they have been in that deep hole without a light. Talking to someone that has been there and overcomes it is the person best to talk to...
If you have been there, they know you won't be judging them when they talk about it..(not saying someone would be judging, but depression puts one in a very fragile state of mind) They can continue their fight knowing that there is possibly hope there is an end to their blackness)
You are right, he did not do this to his parents...he did it to end his pain...