None of us are lawyers so the nuances of an assisted dying option and all the provisions for it would need to be discussed on a higher plane maybe (if that makes sense). One factor they must look at is quality of living. I may not have qualified but spending months in the hospital was not really living. But yeah, I wouldn’t say that being diagnosed as mentally ill automatically would qualify you for assisted dying. As to making a request in advance, I wonder at one point I would request it. I can’t see making the request at age 18 because I had no clue it would get as bad as it did. I guess each case would have different circumstances and be looked at on a case by case basis for the mentally ill. I had a long prodamal period starting perhaps when I was 17 or 18 and then diagnosed at age 19. I would almost swear though, that I didn’t become psychotic until I was in my first psyche ward, in a two week span. By the time I was out, it was full blown paranoid schizophrenia and I was extremely psychotic. But our points overlap. I agree I wasn’t able to make important rational decisions. Especially that young. But when would they have said I could make that decision? 18? 23?
That’s a good question, and I’m really not sure of the answer as to when you would be trusted to make that decision. I’m sure the legislation is convoluted enough that only a doctor and a lawyer can understand what it’s saying
For me, I would never sign my life away just because I’m mentally ill. But I know having schizophrenia, I’m a good candidate for full-blown dementia as I get older. My friend’s father could not recognize me or his own family at the end. At that point, is it really him anymore?
Even then, I would specify that I would need to be in that state for at least a month before they pulled the plug. Just as a safeguard, in case I reemerged. But if it’s over, it’s over for me
I would like assisted dying, if I can’t take care of myself.
I feel the same way, I really want to die because I’m not even really human, but unless you’re terminally ill and in pain we shouldn’t be free to make that decision.
I guess I am okay with it if it is my choice and I was able to make the choice while of obviously sound mind. I do not ever want someone else to make that choice for me – that’s murder IMO.
I’d like to know what mental illness they’re refering to.
If it’s dementia or something, I’m all for it. It’s no way to live.
And I’ve had a family member who opted for euthanasia when the cancer got too bad. Nobody fought them on it. They wanted to go on their own terms before things got too painful.
I’ve told my loved ones in very clear terms that if/when I get dementia, they are to do what it takes for me to die instead of spending my final years in a nursing home unable to recognise them.
The problem for me with doing things in advance, while in a good state of mind, is that it shows that a depressive or psychotic episode can be temporary rather than permanent. Helping people to have longer spells of good mental health should be the aim, rather than the premature end of life due to a state of mind that may have improved with medication, therapy and time.
I’ve been thinking that if I ever came down with terminal cancer I might ask for palliative care. Whoops, I need to get my driving liscence renewed. It identifies me as an organ donor, and it has expired.
Good. Fine.
It’s a right.
Drs won’t approve it if thats the case. Its up to the Drs and not only up to you.
A bourgeois right no doubt. 
I agree with assisted suicide when it comes to terminal illness and the person is of sound mind. I even agree with it when a person is not of sound mind, is terminally ill, and has a guardian. But I don’t agree with it when the only thing wrong with the patient is mental illness.
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