I think it's pointing out that people will ask still themselves, "What was I waiting for?" even when there were valid reasons to wait. It reminds me of internalization or self-blame.

I was thinking the same thing. If you view each panel as his perception of the pool rather than objective reality, then at least it has a cohesive narrative... But then the overarching message seems to become "ignore your perception and do the thing" which feels odd for a mental health community.

that he should have take the first opportunity, in the first panel?

Or to crush your competitors?

Or that you could just end it here and jump to your death?

So many good advices!

Yeah I'm not picking up what Mr. Snider is putting down here.

As someone who failed mental health treatment, I interpret it as “it’s okay to hesitate if things clearly aren’t ready.” I had pressure of various sorts to “be okay,” and fix some issues, but jumping early… didn’t work at all.