Suicide vs Euthanasia

[hadenough]

Euthanasia seems to be more and more accepted today, very few people would want to see a loved one die in agony. With physical, terminal illnesses there are certain physical manifestations that distress others and lead them to consider euthanasia.

With mental health problems - depression, anxiety, psychosis etc. - there are no physical manifestations. One can be floridly psychotic and still pass as "normal" to others, but inside the person is feeling distressed.

Is physical illness worse than mental illness? I have always felt that they are the same in terms of distress they cause. Should euthanasia be available for people with mental health issues? There is greater evidence for the cure of physical health but less for mental health. Psychiatric medication and talking therapies are all hit and miss - medication and/or therapy may help one person but applied to another in exactly the same way it may not work. There are no "cures" for mental health issues but there are for physical health problems. So should euthanasia be extended to mental health problems?

 

[SinisterKid]

This is a debate that will rage for a long time to come. Its taken a long time and much work for euthanasia to be at the point its at now. There is still a lot more to be done before the same can be applied to mental health issues.

The old "Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem" conundrum needs to be solved before euthanasia will ever be considered a viable option for mental ill health. Once we can determine that mental ill health is not always temporary, then and only then, in my opinion, will this debate reach some form of conclusion.

 

[I’vehadenough]

I think that depends how crippling the mental health is. I've had both types of pain and I'd rather have physical pain anytime

 

[Stan]

Not a pleasant story for the cause but I am happy she found peace.

Teenager who was sexually assaulted multiple times ends her own life after requesting legal euthanasia

Noa Pothoven had been repeatedly re-admitted to hospital to try and treat her post traumatic stress disorder, depression and anorexia

www.independent.co.uk

 

[Partial-Elf]

This is a debate that will rage for a long time to come. Its taken a long time and much work for euthanasia to be at the point its at now. There is still a lot more to be done before the same can be applied to mental health issues.

The old "Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem" conundrum needs to be solved before euthanasia will ever be considered a viable option for mental ill health. Once we can determine that mental ill health is not always temporary, then and only then, in my opinion, will this debate reach some form of conclusion.

Wow, I've read and heard this "suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem" line so many times but in this moment it's striking me what nonsense it is–the problems that lead people to suicide are anything but temporary. For most people with severe mental health issues, the episodes are either persistent or recurring and are generally not totally fixed by medication, or are fixed with medication but with intolerable side effects.

Suicidal ideation is NOT a temporary problem and that seems like it would be obvious. But I guess most people view it as an inability to deal with one particular negative event like a breakup or loss of job

 

[Stan]

If there was no religion in the world then I think things regarding legislation would have moved much quicker. If you think in ancient times, taking your life was an acceptable means of leaving, and in some cultures was revered for the brave act.

 

[I’vehadenough]

Wow, I've read and heard this "suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem" line so many times but in this moment it's striking me what nonsense it is–the problems that lead people to suicide are anything but temporary. For most people with severe mental health issues, the episodes are either persistent or recurring and are generally not totally fixed by medication, or are fixed with medication but with intolerable side effects.

Suicidal ideation is NOT a temporary problem and that seems like it would be obvious. But I guess most people view it as an inability to deal with one particular negative event like a breakup or loss of job

Yeah well psych medicine is what ruined my life! Before that, I was just depressed about something that could've been resolved without medicine, but the side effects are so grusesome, I can no longer live

 

[Partial-Elf]

Yeah well psych medicine is what ruined my life! Before

Yeah well psych medicine is what ruined my life! Before that, I was just depressed about something that could've been resolved without medicine, but the side effects are so grusesome, I can no longer live

SSRIs? They've been pressuring me for years... seems like it's the only tool in their toolbox

 

[Wayfaerer]

I'd rather die by my own hand than go to one of those euthanasia clinics even if I had the option to. It would be one of the few instances where I'd be in control for once.

 

[Userloser2]

I was sick from Lyme disease for 7 yrs. Finally started feeling well after so long. Then I started being manic. I had never had that b4 so thought I was just being all energetic after being ill so long. Soo that slid into crazier stuff, hallucinations, etc. and was involuntary hospitalized. Now that I'm out of the insanity I am in a much worse place. All the physical hell somehow doesn't touch this mental hell. Never wanted out before, even sick as I was. Totally different now.

 

[CursedAccount1234]

This is a debate that will rage for a long time to come. Its taken a long time and much work for euthanasia to be at the point its at now. There is still a lot more to be done before the same can be applied to mental health issues.

The old "Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem" conundrum needs to be solved before euthanasia will ever be considered a viable option for mental ill health. Once we can determine that mental ill health is not always temporary, then and only then, in my opinion, will this debate reach some form of conclusion.

Nothing to do with justification but human rights. Replace suicide with "abortion" and all the pro life speech becomes politically incorrect.

"Permanent solution to temporary problem"

"Easy way out"

 

[Sammybackflip]

Nothing to do with justification but human rights. Replace suicide with "abortion" and all the pro life speech becomes politically incorrect.

"Permanent solution to temporary problem"

"Easy way out"

Add "cowards way out" as well. Some people are such morons. It's a permanent solution to permanent problems. And it's not easy, the easy thing would be to slowly wait for death despite excessive indignities and suffering. And it takes a lot of courage.

 

[Partial-Elf]

Yes, of course it is, Physical illness is worse than any mental illness or psychological damage. And worse still if those are patients in terminal phase.
No it should not be available and be extend to people who are suffering mental health problems.

I am still thinking that between an accidental quadraplegic, he or she does not move for 30 years and a guy suffering anxiety, depression, or whathever conduct problem, both are not related between them.
First just wants mercy or compassion and the other just wants drugs.

How are you seriously going to be on a suicide forum and claim that mentally ill people "just want drugs"?

 

[calendulo]

How are you seriously going to be on a suicide forum and claim that mentally ill people "just want drugs"?

It is just my opinion. We talking about euthanasia vs suicide and member's question is that.
I am just answering a question............It is free speech?

 

[woxihuanni]

I don't know about mental health issues, but even for grief, what people do not acknowledge is how much work it is to 'get better'. People should be free to decide if they can or want to put in that work. The right to exit should not be something you get by begging and convincing authorities that you've done 'enough'. A simple waiting period should do it.

Also, people cannot shut the fuck up with cute suggestions. I know, taking a walk releases endorphins. I don't want to have to walk to release endorphins while my life is burning. I want problems solved, or out.

 

[hadenough]

Seems the problem is other people's reaction to suicide. Those who have never experienced suicidal thoughts come out with BS like "things will get better," "it's the easy way/cowards way," "think of others," "it's a permanent solution to a temporary problem" (ironically said by Robin Williams) etc. If people understood the pain that suicidal thoughts bring they may think different.

 

[your pathologist]

Disabled 41-Year-Old Man is Euthanized After Funding for Home Health Care Runs Out - LifeNews.com

Canadian Sean Tagert, aged 41, was killed by assisted suicide after health officials decided to cut the funding for his in-home care hours. Mr Tagert suffered from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) which is known in Canada as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). His illness reduced his ability to move...

www.lifenews.com