Yes I would say the meaning people attach to difficult situations is the most important. We all have our biases which will influence every situation and therefore our mood.
CBT is great in that you acknowledge fears and then work constructively to overcome them. Acceptance is critical, fighting emotions might seem correct but is counterintuitive. Once we can fully accept our problems we can start to put them into perspective. A healthy detachment, realizing we are not the only ones with these issues, its simply how the mind works, is a positive perspective to have.
Enjoyed your case study. Middle-aged men are one, if not the top, at risk groups to commit suicide in western culture. There is a social aspect at play here as well that can't be denied. Just thinking on that can help one realize its not completely their fault. Of course its no excuse and one needs agency and control to overcome trauma.
Thank you for another great article @abigail-dantes
Thank you for this great, insightful comment @cizzo!
All the best to you :)