But if he has felt suicidal for a long time and not acted on it because of concern for his family and friends is that not courageous in itself?
Thanks for the answers everyone, the scenario popped into my head and I spent some time mulling it over, still not sure how I feel about it!
I’ve suffered from chronic depression for over 50 years. I can tolerate only one antidepressant, and it treats my insomnia more than the depression. So one way I deal with it is to find ways in which the depression can be seen as something positive. In Bob’s case, this literally is what happened. His depression caused him to act very heroically. Rather than denying it, he should learn to embrace it. People do good things - and bad things - for all sorts of reasons. Bob needs to understand that there have probably been lots of people in similar situations who stood by and did nothing, because they were not at the end of their rope like he was. He did a good thing, and that’s all that matters.
Some might say he is not a hero because he lacked nobility of spirit. But I would disagree. Risking your life to save others is still noble even if you don’t value your life greatly. Those that Bob saved would never accept that he was anything but a hero, or disregard the value of his act.