The word "crushed" refers to the feeling of despair. This can be stated in active form. AT: "The troubles we experienced completely crushed us" or "We were in complete despair" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
Paul and Timothy are comparing their feeling of despair to that of someone condemned to die. AT: "we were in despair like someone who is condemned to die" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
Paul compares his feeling of despair as a result of the troubles that they experienced to a deadly peril or terrible danger. AT: "despair" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])