I am reminded of the debate going on around American football. The big "concussions" are obvious, and in a good situation you will have friends, family and col

I am reminded of the debate going on around American football. The big "concussions" are obvious, and in a good situation you will have friends, family and colleagues on your side (although disappointed), because the event and its impact are big and obvious to everyone around you. But the slow buildup of damage due to the everyday smashing of your head against one brick wall or another, is both hard to measure, and difficult to communicate to people outside the startup bubble world. And even if you do get some sympathy, inevitably they say something like "you're so smart and talented, you can get a job anywhere and live a normal, relaxed life!" They're trying to help, but to your ears it just sounds like "PLEASE, QUIT NOW BEFORE YOU FAIL AND ALL YOUR DREAMS COME CRASHING DOWN AND YOU FALL APART IN FRONT OF EVERYONE WHO LOVES AND ADMIRES YOU!" and it has the paradoxical effect of making you even more depressed. Just saying.