Overwhelming Futility
I've never seen a species die out of depression brought on by a sense of overwhelming futility, but there's always a first time.
Actually, Tom, you do. Look at the social problems faced by tribal groups around the world after colonisation by a society whose goals and philosophy were at a completely different level than their previous existence.
Whether American Indians on Reservations, Australian Aboriginals on Missions, Africans still trapped in tribal societies but living in a modern world of mechanical warfare and mass communication, there are dozens of societies round the world full of individuals who feel overwhelmed by futility. You might even look at the modern Islamic world as afflicted to some degree by the same despair and rage that some godless westerners have taken over the world and are pursuing their own agendas to the detriment of society and the planet as a whole.
Siicide rates are high in these marginalised communities. Education rates are low since there is often a feeling of despair and futility. Coupled with high unemployment and drug use this is a dangerous cocktail. (How many african-american neighbourhoods are overwhelmed by drug abuse, crime, and violence due to a disconnect from society?)
To blandly state that you have never seen a species die out demonstrates your insular and conservative thinking. Whilst it may be technically true, plenty of tribes and societies have died out or been washed away in the sea of humanity.
You should train yourself in empathic thinking. It would be a good exercise, imho.
It might even improve your technical and communication skills.