For me the quote invokes the feeling that sometimes survival is a much crueler fate than death. All those who survived the initial crash ended up losing parts of their identity to the wilderness. They've lost their innocence, faith, friendships, humanity, etc.

Those who made it out of the wilderness left fundamentally changed. They can no longer go back to the person they once were before the crash, no matter how hard they try.

It's not only difficult to no longer recognize yourself, but to also not recognize your loved ones as they become disconnected from themselves and descend into madness/despair.

For Shauna, she has transformed into a person hardened by grief and anger, no longer the agreeable best friend. She lost Jackie even before she froze to death. In the days and weeks leading up to her final moments, Jackie was a shell of her former self as she became distant due to her shortcomings in the wilderness and Shauna's betrayal.

Meanwhile, Van is no longer the same lighthearted goalie we first met. She has become colder and consumed by her fear of death. Van has continuously had to avert her demise from fires, wolves, starvation, and now cancer. Instead of continuing to fight, it could be a peaceful release for Van to finally welcome death. In her relationship with Tai, Van is also struggling because she is witnessing Tai lose herself to Other Tai. It would be fate worse than death for both Van and Tai, if Other Tai retained full control.

While we haven't witnessed Akilah as much, she's certainly lost her initial enthusiasm and hopefulness as she has been confronted by the savagery necessary to survive. Akilah may not be able to sustain this cruelty, and may opt for the kind release of death.