tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216787076261944467.post4720611021828904160..comments2024-03-28T13:26:59.030-04:00Comments on Euthanasia Prevention Coalition: Supreme Court decision allows assisted death for depressed people.Alex Schadenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07649977828342637842noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216787076261944467.post-45952808284249308572015-07-13T15:19:13.104-04:002015-07-13T15:19:13.104-04:00Emmy, first, I'm very sorry you are suffering....Emmy, first, I'm very sorry you are suffering. A (very) long-time sufferer of treatment resistant depression myself (25+ years), I could not be more sincere in that feeling. Nevertheless, much as with access to abortion, the individual facing end of life decisions, I think, should be the ultimate judge of whether a particular course is appropriate or not--not other human beings whose bodies--lives--are not involved. If someone suffering chronic depression despite professionals' interventions decides she or he wants to continue the battle of life, so be it. I wish such brave humans the best. But their decisions shouldn't set policy that determines how others of us MUST live and die. Canada's (and certain European nations') recent decision is among the most valuable I've ever come upon in that it allows individuals freedom to determine our own futures. <br /><br />Ultimately, the way we die is profoundly personal. It's understandable, therefore, that in an ideologically heterogeneous culture, some of us would be deeply offended by others' decisions. But that's a cost of the freedom to decide. While I advocate sensitivity and mutual respect, at least in this case these ought not trump a suffering adult's freedom to escape a life of chronic pain.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216787076261944467.post-90014865454457686842015-05-15T08:33:09.105-04:002015-05-15T08:33:09.105-04:00I have treatment resistant depression and a TBI. I...I have treatment resistant depression and a TBI. I have had therapy, ect, I take meds and still I am depressed. When struggling to survive it does NOT help to have other people agreeing with your depression that you are worthless and better off dead! I wish these death pushers and supporters would just stop! They have caused me more pain, confusion and feelings of hopelessness than depression ever has and I have lived and struggled with depression for over 20 years!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com