“As difficult as it is sometimes, there is always hope.” Euthanasia for mental illness is abandonment.

Alex Schadenberg
Executive Director, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

Emma

An inspiring story was published on October 3 by Tubantia news  (Netherlands) concerning Emma (20), who three years ago her mental illness was considered too complex and she was told that she was "out of treatment." Her practitioners said they could do nothing more for her depression, eating disorder and addictions. 

Emma decided that there is hope and she gave treatment one more try. Three years later Emma is training to become an expert in psychiatry and inspiring others.

Emma's story was shared by Tubantia after her LinkedIn message received Ten thousand likes and hundreds of reactions from complete strangers. Emma said:

"And to think that I was afraid of getting negative reactions," 

"I have received nothing but sweet messages and support. It makes people realize that recovery is possible, even if you are 'out of treatment'."

Emma states in the article that her problems began when she had a eating disorder at age 15. She became so weak that she needed a wheelchair. She admits that she was not aware of how bad her eating disorder was.

Her mental health was deteriorating and she began to drink excessively and she was experimenting with narcotics.

She said that she went to therapy, but when they urged her to deal with her eating disorder she responded by drinking more.

At the age of 17 she was suicidal and she was labelled as being "out of treatment." It was decided that her case was too complex. It was at this point that she entered a Yes We Can Clinic and with her "youth coach" she began to recover.

The message that Emma is sharing a positive message. The article states:

“As difficult as it is sometimes, there is always hope.” And that message was received. "I never expected that my message would have such an impact," Emma says modestly. "But I'm very happy that I was able to support so many people." And as special as it is that all of LinkedIn supports her, two reactions from acquaintances were the most received by Emma. “I think it's great that they take the trouble to let them know that they still support me. After all, that means a lot to me.”

Euthanasia or assisted suicide for people with mental illness is an abandonment of people at their lowest point. Emma was considered too complex for treatment, but with time she got better.