Mental Health and Assisted Suicide
Eliane Mitchell

11 August 2017

Should people with a mental illness be helped to die if that is what they wish?

Following Canada's legalization of assisted suicide for terminally ill people in 2016, Adam Maier-Clayton led a campaign for his own right to death. Suffering from Somatic Symptom Disorder, a mental illness which expresses itself as physical symptoms without an apparent bodily cause, Adam insisted that Canada include mental health problems in its legislation for assisted suicide—but to no avail. Adam committed suicide this April, without his family beside him and after four years of suffering from crippling and untreatable pain.

Adam's story is no less important, however, given his achievements in sparking new, yet controversial discourse in Canada. While some skeptics fear that assisted suicide, if its requirements are expanded to mental health conditions, will simply provide people an "'out' to tough situations" (medicine should only aim to alleviate, not eradicate, suffering, the argument goes), pro-euthanasia campaigners contend that people suffering from severe mental health conditions, like Adam, deserve a dignified way to die. Should there be a distinction between mental and physical illness vis-a-vis a person's eligibility for assisted suicide, as Canadian legislators have decided? Or do legislators (justifiably or unjustifiably) delegitimize the suffering caused by mental illness when they mandate people like Adam to "tough [their disorders] out"?

Assisted suicide is often discussed in the abstract, but now it is time for ethicists and legislators to contemplate this issue more concretely. In terms of assessing who is eligible for assisted suicide, to whom should the responsibility of appraising suffering (mental or otherwise) fall—doctors, patients, "family witnesses," or legislators? Would Adam's case have been less compelling if his mental disorder had caused him memory loss or schizoprenia, let's say, rather than physical pain? Learn more about Adam's poignant story here and tell us what you think in the comments below.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-40546632

 

Comments (6)


Alyssa's picture

Alyssa

Friday, March 22, 2024 -- 12:10 AM

Addressing the intersection

Addressing the intersection of mental health and assisted suicide is complex. While some argue for autonomy and relief from suffering, others highlight the importance of comprehensive mental health adult night care Long Beach support and suicide prevention. Balancing individual rights with ethical considerations requires nuanced approaches and prioritization of mental health services to prevent avoidable tragedies.

I've read and agree to abide by the Community Guidelines
EdwardsPamela's picture

EdwardsPamela

Thursday, April 4, 2024 -- 2:22 AM

In today's world, where

In today's world, where stress and psychological stress are an integral part of everyday life, mental health is becoming an important component of overall well-being. Competent medical care, such as that provided by https://curaveindoctors.com/ , can be a key factor in maintaining and restoring mental well-being. With their innovative approaches and experienced professionals, patients have the opportunity to receive not only quality medical care, but also support for the psychological health of their lives.

I've read and agree to abide by the Community Guidelines
lukaluka's picture

lukaluka

Monday, July 22, 2024 -- 5:04 AM

Anchor Text
I've read and agree to abide by the Community Guidelines
DimaRosins's picture

DimaRosins

Thursday, October 17, 2024 -- 5:45 AM

When you’re dealing with

When you’re dealing with multiple mental health issues at once, it can feel overwhelming. hastings direct phone number
helped me not try to tackle everything at once, but focus on one step at a time. Therapy and support from loved ones were important, but learning to be patient with myself was equally important. Even small victories are progress. Over time, you come to understand that you can cope if you’re not afraid to ask for help and work on yourself.

I've read and agree to abide by the Community Guidelines
raquelbritzke's picture

raquelbritzke

Saturday, November 2, 2024 -- 12:01 AM

Adam Maier-Clayton's story

Adam Maier-Clayton's story truly brings to light an essential debate around mental health and assisted suicide. As we consider his suffering with Somatic Symptom Disorder, it’s worth questioning if mental suffering should indeed be treated differently from physical pain. Shouldn’t dignity in death be accessible to anyone in severe, untreatable distress, regardless of its origin? This is a conversation that challenges London nutritionist societal perceptions of mental illness and could reshape our understanding of compassionate care.

I've read and agree to abide by the Community Guidelines
hotelrichness's picture

hotelrichness

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 -- 1:21 AM

The story is really engaging.

The story is really engaging. Research on impressive historical anecdotes. Explore the mysterious elements associated with historical periods. Every information in the geometry dash website is really attractive to research and follow more.

I've read and agree to abide by the Community Guidelines