[neutrino]

I have a question. It might be a weird one but I don't know who else to ask: when bored (for example), is it normal to start thinking about how meaningless life is and that you should probably just kill yourself or is that a sign I might still be depressed? (Started taking antidepressants about a year ago and I'm definitely doing much better but I don't think I'm well yet.) Basically, do people who don't suffer from depression feel this way too?

[Grath]

If you're always thinking this way when you're not occupied with something else, then yes, I'd definitely say that is a sign you're still clinically depressed. Do these thoughts just "pop up" and are of a theoretical nature (i.e. you're pondering about the meaning of it all, but don't emotionally feel like commiting suicide) or do you really still feel completely hopeless and equally suicidal as you did before taking antidepressants (or even more so)?
Either way, I think you should definitely talk to your therapist or psychiatrist about it. Some antidepressants can have heightened suicidality as a side effect.

[neutrino]

Originally Posted by Grath

Do these thoughts just "pop up" and are of a theoretical nature (i.e. you're pondering about the meaning of it all, but don't emotionally feel like commiting suicide) or do you really still feel completely hopeless and equally suicidal as you did before taking antidepressants (or even more so)?

I'm definitely not as suicidal as I was before I started taking antidepressants. Back then I thought I was going to lose my mind and I spent many hours during many days/weeks thinking about killing myself and researching methods, which I don't do anymore (some exceptions). I don't think I feel like life's completely hopeless but definitely somewhat hopeless and the thoughts pop up pretty much every time I feel low, no matter if I feel a little low or really low. Don't know how serious the thoughts are but they're there. Do you know what I mean?

[Grath]

Originally Posted by neutrino

I'm definitely not as suicidal as I was before I started taking antidepressants. Back then I thought I was going to lose my mind and I spent many hours during many days/weeks thinking about killing myself and researching methods, which I don't do anymore (some exceptions). I don't think I feel like life's completely hopeless but definitely somewhat hopeless and the thoughts pop up pretty much every time I feel low, no matter if I feel a little low or really low. Don't know how serious the thoughts are but they're there. Do you know what I mean?

I'm happy that the antidepressants had a positive effect on your life. After all, bluntly said, "somewhat hopeless" is still better than "completely hopeless".
But seriously, I think you should still consult your therapist about it. I think it's understandable and to a certain extent normal that these thought patterns are engrained into your brain after prolonged periods of severe depression, but it's still not normal for a completely "mentally healthy" person. I think "mentally healthy" people ponder about the meaning of existence from time to time as well, but don't think about suicide on a regular basis.
I hope you'll feel better soon. Hugs from me.