One thing that stood out in that story is how some people just thought he was depressed. I know someone who had sciatica and I think one of the hard parts is that it's not easy to see. On the outside you may look fine but you may be feeling the most excruciating pain of your life. This makes it hard for people to empathize with which further fuels the mental health decline. If you have back problems, I recommend the book "Back Mechanic". This book really helped the person I know.
I experienced sciatica for about a day and thought my life was over. I'd take a kidney stone in its place any time; with a kidney stone you at least think that by moving it might help (and no fear it will last forever).
Fortunately in my case I associated the sciatica to having too thick a wallet in my back pocket, and removing that fixed all. Strong recommendation to those reading here to avoid such carrying of a wallet.
