By Alex Schadenberg, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition
We received this email from Margaret titled: No Euthanasia for Mental Health Reasons. She gave us permission to publish it.
As I am now approaching 70 years of age, I would like to share my experience
Ever since I was twelve years old, I have been treated by psychiatrists, and many other people in the mental health system.
For over thirty-eight years, I considered myself to have active suicidal intentions. My years in my mid-twenties were my worst. At that time, if euthanasia for only mental health reasons was accepted, I would have applied and not be here now.
However, as my life continued, it increasingly improved. Although there have been some occasional challenges, my life now is excellent and I really appreciate being alive to live it.
I would never have enjoyed this time or attended my nephew’s wedding, or met my two great-nieces and my great-nephew if I had asked for and been granted euthanasia over forty years ago.
Sometimes, I still do struggle, but I have supports in place and life is definitely worth the living.
I would NOT have wanted to miss any of my life so far and I look forward to my future.
Thank you Margaret for sharing. It is not easy to write about your experiences.