Hi Katerz,
It was not my intention to put the stigma back on depression or those suffering from it.
My point was that we must be cautious in labelling Susan's condition.
Depression is not a one way street, or even a street. So many people, family and friends have mentioned Susan's love of horses and her joy in helping others. If (IF!) indeed she was depressed to a certain degree, she must have found support, strength and joy in friends and horses. As many others, depressed or non-depressed, do.
These two important anchors were absent during the holiday.
All we know is that the family went sightseeing for the day.
There was a disagreement around dinner.
Susan left for a walk 'to clear her head'. This was 'something she did more often'.
When she did not return after a few hours, the family raised the alarm.
Because she was away, on a different continent, she could not turn to her two major support groups, the friends and horses. We do not know if this was of significance, but it is a fact that they were not there.
IMHO even with depression, circumstances and coincidence play a big, big role. As they do without depression.