Story Heard from Dignitas (re mental illness) - big bureaucracy...How could this ever work?

[LittleJem]

I don't mind this reply from Dignitas, but I think it basically means I need to DIY. Because who on earth would say I am mentally ill, give me all the proof as noted, and who would sign me off to say I was in my right mind in my wish to end my life?!

Any thoughts?!

Here's their message:


Thank you for your e-mail in which you ask about the possibilities for mentally ill people to apply for an accompanied suicide.

It is basically possible for mentally ill too, to submit a formal request of an accompanied suicide to Dignitas. However, this is a lengthy and complex proceeding which demands your pro-active cooperation. And there is no guarantee to receive the "provisional green light" for an accompanied suicide.

Whether your situation will meet the prerequisites for an accompanied suicide with Dignitas depends very much on the quality of the medical file, the reports you can provide.

We need medical certificates with clear diagnosis of your illness, a description of its cause and development, proof of all therapies you have tried (with or without success) as well as an in-depth psychiatric appraisal concerning your capacity of judgement and discernment in regard of your wish for a self-determined end of life.

For more details please refer to the attachment.

Without such a detailed medical dossier, we won't find a Swiss physician who will risk writing the prescription for the lethal medication.



Yours sincerely
----------------------------------------------
DIGNITAS
To live with dignity
To die with dignity

 

[GoodPersonEffed]

Have you tried Pegasos? I recall some members have said it's easier to get approved.

Depending on the individual and the challenges their condition presents, and depending on the length of their relationship with the psychiatrist and what information they've shared about how they manage decisions and relationships, I think it is possible that a psychiatrist would say, yes, they are rational and can make good decisions. The catch is that Dignitas wants the evaluation to address the decision to suicide, and in a country like the US, I think it would be difficult to find a doctor who would put in writing any implied or actual approval of such a decision due to potential malpractice lawsuits by the family.

 

[LittleJem]

Have you tried Pegasos? I recall some members have said it's easier to get approved.

Depending on the individual and the challenges their condition presents, and depending on the length of their relationship with the psychiatrist and what information they've shared about how they manage decisions and relationships, I think it is possible that a psychiatrist would say, yes, they are rational and can make good decisions. The catch is that Dignitas wants the evaluation to address the decision to suicide, and in a country like the US, I think it would be difficult to find a doctor who would put in writing any implied or actual approval of such a decision due to potential malpractice lawsuits by the family.

Exactly - in the UK I also do not think any UK based psychiatrist would put this in writing, as it would not be legal. Therefore, I don't think it is possible to meet this criteria.

I wrote to Pegasos who told me I was too young - and they also make it difficult for mental illness.

I know I have to DIY, not much option - and it does save money. Just how to plan it and make it happen - all on the list, but so tired with the depression.

 

[itsallover]

That's good news I think. It could be a long drawn out process depending on how proactive you are, but I do believe some mental illness mine included is beyond what pills and bullshit therapy can do. I wish you well in carrying this out if you can.

 

[IrRegularjoe]

Dignatas seems to have a hard time understanding that people accessing their services don't come from euthanasia countries. It's probably normal to them. To us it's the most confusing part of the process.

 

[AcornUnderground]

Pegasos required me to get a letter from my psychiatrist stating that I am of mental capacity to make medical decisions, but it didn't have to specifically mention suicide. Perhaps they would suffice and be easier to obtain. Worth asking.

 

[IrRegularjoe]

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Pegasos required me to get a letter from my psychiatrist stating that I am of mental capacity to make medical decisions, but it didn't have to specifically mention suicide. Perhaps they would suffice and be easier to obtain. Worth asking.

So what did they ask of you. Compared to Dignatas. Just a letter stating you can make medical decisions. Nothing else.

 

[AcornUnderground]

Well, I am relatively young, 41, with an awful incurable disease. Even with that, they wanted they psychiatry letter - probably due to my age. But I'm essentially approved due to a physical illness.

 

[Walilamdzi]

I just think it's unfair since a lot of mental illnesses mean that you wouldn't have the energy to be proactive and pursue all of this stuff.

 

[AcornUnderground]

I just think it's unfair since a lot of mental illnesses mean that you wouldn't have the energy to be proactive and pursue all of this stuff.

Very much the same with physical.