Mental Illness, Not a Death Sentence.

I was touched with difficulty with my mental health in 1999, I was 25 years old. At first, I was angry and afraid, but eventually I came to peace with myself by accepting what was going on and receiving the help that was offered. I was originally told that there was no cure for what I was experiencing, but my faith told me God would see me through it. I was right. After all these years of caring for myself and receiving treatment, I have come to understand that you can still live a happy life, despite having problems with your mental health.

I have met many people who suffer similarly and became their friends, and one of the things I have learned is that acceptance among peers is really important for those suffering with their mental health. Canada just conducted a committee and recommended that euthanasia should not be allowed for those whose sole cause is a mental illness. I agree. When I first dealt with my mental health in 1999, euthanasia was illegal in Canada, and I personally wish that it stayed that way. Yes, there are times when people feel despondent, but back then if someone was despondent you would encourage them, and try to cheer them up, rather than offering them death.

It sounds so strange to talk this way, but we need voices that are counter culture and that give hope. Psychiatrists and the mental health community plays an important role in helping others stay well, and get better, if death was an option, there would be less motivation to genuinely care and help those who are suffering to stay alive and get better. Some of the dearest people were those I found in the mental health community, a lot has changed now, but people are still the same. When someone receives care that is ethical and good, it gives the patient something to hope for. When our society says it’s ok to give up, those who are vulnerable are affected. Consequently, when our society says it’s wrong to give up, the vulnerable are positively affected as well. I found my own hope through my mental health crisis, and I encourage others to do the same. Hope is found when a community and a country say yes to life, and no to death. This is Mike.

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