Why isnt severe long term depression considered a terminal illness ?

[Mm80]

Had this argument with a psychiatrist last week.if someone has suffered since being young,tried all the medicines and therapies thrown at them, and still cannot get any enjoyment from life, they are terminally ill, the same, if not worse than a cancer sufferer or someone with ms, as long term severe depression lasts for decades.

 

[Harasaki]

You can live with depression, even if it's a shit life if you don't kill yourself you will keep living. Now if you have terminal cancer you won't be living long. I think that's why.

 

[Ark]

I believe it comes down to quality of life. If one is to have a horrible quality of life for the foreseeable future, that should be what is considered. If one is forced to live suffering for years upon years, that is not right. I would never condone forcing someone to live in agony whether it is physical or mental. 20 years of depressive hell, no thank you.

 

[mediocre]

I think because it's still seen as a phase even if it lasts 20 years. I have aspergers and I've gone through a dozen or so support workers since 18. Nothing has improved since then. In fact my depression is worse.

 

[Meant2Die]

Technically its exactly what @Harasaki said. Terminally means "in a way that is predicted to lead to death; incurably." I suppose if someone has long standing, incurable depression then there's the "incurable" part, but people think you can live with it bc it won't physically kill you, it will just make your life miserable and unbearable so tough luck (is what they think) which just shows you how insensitive humans are. It's really sad, esp when you come into contact with those who can't relate, haven't experienced it and aren't sympathetic. I agree with you in that it should have a lot more validity and importance placed on it, just like cancer or other serious diseases, the problem is it's not measurable b/c all the symptoms are 'how you are feeling' which is highly subjective and depend on a person's personality, perspective, upbringing, life experiences, etc. For all the human race knows about the brain, it's barely scratching the surface, and it really sucks how it's taken over 2020 years for us to get to a point where even talking about it is becoming more mainstream. (I can't even imagine how horrible it was in the other centuries to have depression and not know what it is and all you could say to people is "I just feel sad, down, empty, numb, like crying. all the time, etc, etc, etc").

 

[Mm80]

I think because it's still seen as a phase even if it lasts 20 years. I have aspergers and I've gone through a dozen or so support workers since 18. Nothing has improved since then. In fact my depression is worse.

I am in tbe final stages of being tested for autism and im 39. I walked into a docs after an od at 18 and was simply assumed to be depressed so the one size fits all mentality comes in. Ssris, snris, counselling. I may be wrong but i think that the uk is so far behind in looking at other conditions than the main ones, anxiety depression bipolar etc. The problem in my opinion with aspergers is that because its high functioning autism its almost invisible. People think you are ignorant or uncaring when really its just that your brain is wired differently, somethimg you didnt choose x

I think because it's still seen as a phase even if it lasts 20 years. I have aspergers and I've gone through a dozen or so support workers since 18. Nothing has improved since then. In fact my depression is worse.

I am in tbe final stages of being tested for autism and im 39. I walked into a docs after an od at 18 and was simply assumed to be depressed so the one size fits all mentality comes in. Ssris, snris, counselling. I may be wrong but i think that the uk is so far behind in looking at other conditions than the main ones, anxiety depression bipolar etc. The problem in my opinion with aspergers is that because its high functioning autism its almost invisible. People think you are ignorant or uncaring when really its just that your brain is wired differently, somethimg you didnt choose x

Technically its exactly what @Harasaki said. Terminally means "in a way that is predicted to lead to death; incurably." I suppose if someone has long standing, incurable depression then there's the "incurable" part, but people think you can live with it bc it won't physically kill you, it will just make your life miserable and unbearable so tough luck (is what they think) which just shows you how insensitive humans are. It's really sad, esp when you come into contact with those who can't relate, haven't experienced it and aren't sympathetic. I agree with you in that it should have a lot more validity and importance placed on it, just like cancer or other serious diseases, the problem is it's not measurable b/c all the symptoms are 'how you are feeling' which is highly subjective and depend on a person's personality, perspective, upbringing, life experiences, etc. For all the human race knows about the brain, it's barely scratching the surface, and it really sucks how it's taken over 2020 years for us to get to a point where even talking about it is becoming more mainstream. (I can't even imagine how horrible it was in the other centuries to have depression and not know what it is and all you could say to people is "I just feel sad, down, empty, numb, like crying. all the time, etc, etc, etc").

Very intelligent post thank you. It is sad we are scratching the surface. It wont be in our lifetime but do you think one day there will be concrete biological evidence of mental illness ? Rather than take these pills and see how you get on ?

 

[mediocre]

I am in tbe final stages of being tested for autism and im 39. I walked into a docs after an od at 18 and was simply assumed to be depressed so the one size fits all mentality comes in. Ssris, snris, counselling. I may be wrong but i think that the uk is so far behind in looking at other conditions than the main ones, anxiety depression bipolar etc. The problem in my opinion with aspergers is that because its high functioning autism its almost invisible. People think you are ignorant or uncaring when really its just that your brain is wired differently, somethimg you didnt choose x

I don't think aspergers was even widely known when I was diagnosed in 2005. At the time I was taken out of school because of stress and was given the diagnosis I was only 12 then. They could have assumed I was depressed too I don't know what the signs were that I had aspergers. Did a doctor suggest you had autism or did you go for tests yourself? x

 

[Mm80]

You can live with depression, even if it's a shit life if you don't kill yourself you will keep living. Now if you have terminal cancer you won't be living long. I think that's why.

Thank you, you are right, thats exacltly how it is seen. Im sure i have read that people with poor mental health tend to die younger also, without commiting suicide. I still believe that physical illness is taken more serious than mental as it is not measurable objectively.

 

[TAW122]

@Mm80 Yes, I had Aspergers (officially diagnosed in 2007) and more oftenly than not I really wished that I didn't have it just so I can relate to others and just be able to get around society, day to day life easier. While Aspergers does have some advantages, it was still generally a net-negative in my quality of life. I mean, unless I'm Mensa-tier intelligence and/or have some unique talent that beats 99% of what other humans have, my life is generally a living hell of social interactions. This of course, isn't even considering my anxiety and other co-morbid conditions lingering about. It is a major reason that I wish to CTB, however, I haven't CTB'd mainly because of copes and wanting to be in 100% control of the time, place, and manner in how I die.

Also, yes, what you said about physical illnesses is true, as it's more objectively measured and observable somehow rather than just subjective measurements and metrics. Even those with physical illnesses still struggle to get approval for euthanasia and right to die, which is sad in today's society.

 

[Mm80]

I don't think aspergers was even widely known when I was diagnosed in 2005. At the time I was taken out of school because of stress and was given the diagnosis I was only 12 then. They could have assumed I was depressed too I don't know what the signs were that I had aspergers. Did a doctor suggest you had autism or did you go for tests yourself? x

It started out a running joke amongsts friends and ex girlfiends, thats your autism lol or thats your aspergers. It became too much of a coincidence as the people saying it had friends or relatives on the spectrum. So i looked into it extensively online, scored high on the tests (although i know they arent 100 percent reliable) i could relate to all the traits. Stimming social impairments communication difficulties and things started making sense. My mother was told she was autistic but didnt follow it up. I pushed it with the psychiatrist and im at the final bit. Structured adir interview 28th jan x

 

[mediocre]

It started out a running joke amongsts friends and ex girlfiends, thats your autism lol or thats your aspergers. It became too much of a coincidence as the people saying it had friends or relatives on the spectrum. So i looked into it extensively online, scored high on the tests (although i know they arent 100 percent reliable) i could relate to all the traits. Stimming social impairments communication difficulties and things started making sense. My mother was told she was autistic but didnt follow it up. I pushed it with the psychiatrist and im at the final bit. Structured adir interview 28th jan x

Have you ever struggled to make friends or have relationships? For me this has been impossible I'm a typical aspie in this way.

 

[Mm80]

@Mm80 Yes, I had Aspergers (officially diagnosed in 2007) and more oftenly than not I really wished that I didn't have it just so I can relate to others and just be able to get around society, day to day life easier. While Aspergers does have some advantages, it was still generally a net-negative in my quality of life. I mean, unless I'm Mensa-tier intelligence and/or have some unique talent that beats 99% of what other humans have, my life is generally a living hell of social interactions. This of course, isn't even considering my anxiety and other co-morbid conditions lingering about. It is a major reason that I wish to CTB, however, I haven't CTB'd mainly because of copes and wanting to be in 100% control of the time, place, and manner in how I die.

Also, yes, what you said about physical illnesses is true, as it's more objectively measured and observable somehow rather than just subjective measurements and metrics. Even those with physical illnesses still struggle to get approval for euthanasia and right to die, which is sad in today's society.

That so resonates with me. You read this bullshit that einstein had aspergers and all these other genius so it must be a gift right ? Its rubbish. Yes most aspies have an above average iq but it doesnt make us a fucking genius. The people who do well in society are socially intelligent and i know i certainly are not. So instead you become this weirdo when really you wouldnt hurt a fly just struggle with how the world works. I read a statistic that auristic people are 8 to 15 times more likely to ctb. Really doesnt surprise me and you have my deepist sympathy my friend.

Have you ever struggled to make friends or have relationships? For me this has been impossible I'm a typical aspie in this way.

Yes. What tends to happen romantically is that because i cannot read the subtle cues of somebody liking me, i have ended up with women who have been blunt and forward and spelled it out to me. Ive been chosen rather than the chooser due to lack of social skills or awareness. I have also abused alcohol socially to help me deal with my deficits.as for friendship i have trusted too easily and missed the selfish intentions of others. I have no idea if im being used or not x

 

[sleepy dog]

Had this argument with a psychiatrist last week.if someone has suffered since being young,tried all the medicines and therapies thrown at them, and still cannot get any enjoyment from life, they are terminally ill, the same, if not worse than a cancer sufferer or someone with ms, as long term severe depression lasts for decades.

I think the OP was saying that since depression can lead to death by suicide so often, it should be considered a terminal illness. I have been thinking the same way about that. It is absolutely a terminal illness. I don't care if somebody disagrees.

 

[Meant2Die]

It wont be in our lifetime but do you think one day there will be concrete biological evidence of mental illness ? Rather than take these pills and see how you get on ?

Oh absolutely, but a long time from now. At the rate technology is advancing i think literally anything will be possible, we just haven't discovered/invented it yet. I wouldn't be surprised if they figured out what genes were responsibility for certain mental illnesses or lead to the likelihood of them and were able to at some point weave them out somehow. I think prenatal genetic customization of babies is def going to be a thing in the distant future, something the religious vs atheist will surely have a war over.

 

[chris8000]

Thank you, you are right, thats exacltly how it is seen. Im sure i have read that people with poor mental health tend to die younger also, without commiting suicide. I still believe that physical illness is taken more serious than mental as it is not measurable objectively.

That's true, but many physicial illnesses cannot be measured objectively either, because the tech is not there which is a problem, like mine. There is no real diagnostic test, apart from my subjective experience of intense pain, so I'm unsure if I would be given euthanasia by one of the rare countries where it is legalised and regulated.

There is the case of Adam Maier-Clayton who was diagnosed with a "mental condition" they say was very rare where the mind convinces itself the body is in intense pain (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-40546632). My problem with that diagnosis, is they did not know for sure whether it was psychological in origin, or physical, and they just didn't have understanding of the disease to diagnose it properly. This guy was suffering for years, tried loads of therapies, and killed himself after protesting on social media about the bias against mental conditions.

This isn't even a good way to look at it, if some one is suffering terribly and there are no reasonable options left, then that is a good basis for the exit, instead of what diagnosis they have.

I believe it comes down to quality of life. If one is to have a horrible quality of life for the foreseeable future, that should be what is considered. If one is forced to live suffering for years upon years, that is not right. I would never condone forcing someone to live in agony whether it is physical or mental. 20 years of depressive hell, no thank you.

That's a good summary Ark as always, thank you.

 

[protonic76]

i read somewhere that only less than 10% of depressed people commit suicide.

 

[LucyJordan]

Oh absolutely, but a long time from now. At the rate technology is advancing i think literally anything will be possible, we just haven't discovered/invented it yet. I wouldn't be surprised if they figured out what genes were responsibility for certain mental illnesses or lead to the likelihood of them and were able to at some point weave them out somehow. I think prenatal genetic customization of babies is def going to be a thing in the distant future, something the religious vs atheist will surely have a war over.

Genes can be altered during life. See: epigenetics. Traumatic and stressful life circumstances can cause changes to our dna, revealing physical and psychic illness. I'm convinced that PTSD for example is a disorder that's caused by bad influence of long term exposure to stress hormones as cortisol, adrenaline etc. , them attacking our dna and alter things in it. What bothers me the most is that people with mental disorders or depression get so easily prescribed antidepressants, while it's known that the side effect can be more harmful, e.g. inducing psychosis and other troublesome effects.

 

[YukiFox]

Because of the beliefs of mental health professionals are to present hope and happiness as the most desirable states, they focus to defend depression as curable or at least controllable. That's why it's not consider a disability or terminal illness.

 

[OneBigBlur]

i read somewhere that only less than 10% of depressed people commit suicide.

I don't consider depression a illness but everyone goes through different kinds of adversity in life. Someone who is depressed over job loss or not doing well in school is probably not going to commit suicide over something that is temporary and I think these people are the ones who most often make an attempt on impulse when it's really a cry for help. That 10% is likely people who have been tired of being alive for a long time for far more serious reasons. It bothers me when I go on r/depression and I see people with depression over normal problems telling people that it "gets better" or "don't kill yourself" when their situations are very different.

 

[protonic76]

I don't consider depression a illness but everyone goes through different kinds of adversity in life. Someone who is depressed over job loss or not doing well in school is probably not going to commit suicide over something that is temporary and I think these people are the ones who most often make an attempt on impulse when it's really a cry for help. That 10% is likely people who have been tired of being alive for a long time for far more serious reasons.

Depression can happen without reason. Some people go through horrible tragedies but still dont get depressed. Because reason is not needed to have major depressive disorder. Hence, it is generally believed that suicide can happen without reason too. Hence people preach against suicide.

 

[OneBigBlur]

Depression can happen without reason. Some people go through horrible tragedies but still dont get depressed. Because reason is not needed to have major depressive disorder. Hence, it is generally believed that suicide can happen without reason too. Hence people preach against suicide.

I don't agree, there is always a reason and trivializing the things that someone has been through down to a magical illness is like being slapped in the face. Our bodies are designed for survival, not happiness. Depression is a byproduct of evolution to push us to survive by dangling short term fulfillment in front of us that we constantly need to chase. Unfortunately evolution didn't account for the traumatic things that people do to one another, the backwards society we live in, the 40-60 hour work weeks to not even be able to afford a home, loneliness, and all kinds of horrible things. Depression worked when we were cavemen and the only thing we had to chase after was food and shelter in order to be momentarily satisfied.

"Classifying thoughts, feelings and behaviors as diseases is a logical and semantic error, like classifying whale as fish."
― Thomas Szasz

 

[Quarky00]

I still believe that physical illness is taken more serious than mental as it is not measurable objectively.

what you said about physical illnesses is true, as it's more objectively measured and observable somehow rather than just subjective measurements and metrics. Even those with physical illnesses still struggle to get approval for euthanasia

Spot on!

These are all quotes from actual research papers:

1. No Tests
Historically, psychiatric diagnoses were interpretive and subjective. Relative to medicine, psychiatry has few laboratory markers or imaging data.

2. Not Reliable
Studies revealed strong discordance of 24% to 34% among the diagnoses.
(How often 2 doctors arrive the same diagnosis given same set of data; these numbers are considered appalling)

3. Complex Condition
Mental disorders are highly heritable, yet complex with important interactions between genetic risk and environmental factors in determining illness expression.

4. Society Scared
Social tolerance of the mentally ill has not increased, despite growing popularity of a biomedical view.

5. Medication
Because of the blunt nature of the biomedical view (popularity of psychiatric medications) altering beliefs about mental illness is unlikely to increase tolerance."

 

[Mm80]

I think the OP was saying that since depression can lead to death by suicide so often, it should be considered a terminal illness. I have been thinking the same way about that. It is absolutely a terminal illness. I don't care if somebody disagrees.

Thats exactly it.
I understand folks go through maybe an isolated bout of natural depression, ie bereavment, and counselling and or drugs can help tbem back to normal. But what about those who have been depressed for as long as the can remember ? 20 years plus, took all of the medications offered, tried the counselling and it didnt help. I understand that its a very tricky area as the illness is not measurable to the medical profession, but its very real to the person suffering, and maybe it should be looked at for those who have had decades of it, tried all the treatments and had the attitude of trying to feel better, to have a terminal illness. Instead, people are being forced to obtain lethal drugs from often risky places and spend tons of money. It shouldnt be so difficult and its simply cruel.

That's true, but many physicial illnesses cannot be measured objectively either, because the tech is not there which is a problem, like mine. There is no real diagnostic test, apart from my subjective experience of intense pain, so I'm unsure if I would be given euthanasia by one of the rare countries where it is legalised and regulated.

There is the case of Adam Maier-Clayton who was diagnosed with a "mental condition" they say was very rare where the mind convinces itself the body is in intense pain (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-40546632). My problem with that diagnosis, is they did not know for sure whether it was psychological in origin, or physical, and they just didn't have understanding of the disease to diagnose it properly. This guy was suffering for years, tried loads of therapies, and killed himself after protesting on social media about the bias against mental conditions.

This isn't even a good way to look at it, if some one is suffering terribly and there are no reasonable options left, then that is a good basis for the exit, instead of what diagnosis they have.



That's a good summary Ark as always, thank you.

Fair point. Maybe the idea of a diagnosis shouldnt be necessary, it just seems that the medical profession is geared up like that and society probably doesnt view happiness and quality of life as good enough reasons not to want to be alive.

Spot on!

These are all quotes from actual research papers:

1. No Tests
Historically, psychiatric diagnoses were interpretive and subjective. Relative to medicine, psychiatry has few laboratory markers or imaging data.

2. Not Reliable
Studies revealed strong discordance of 24% to 34% among the diagnoses.
(How often 2 doctors arrive the same diagnosis given same set of data; these numbers are considered appalling)

3. Complex Condition
Mental disorders are highly heritable, yet complex with important interactions between genetic risk and environmental factors in determining illness expression.

4. Society Scared
Social tolerance of the mentally ill has not increased, despite growing popularity of a biomedical view.

5. Medication
Because of the blunt nature of the biomedical view (popularity of psychiatric medications) altering beliefs about mental illness is unlikely to increase tolerance."

Thank you great points.
I particularly agree with 4 and 5. Social tokerance hasnt increased although we are led to believe it has. Social media and corporations are pushing on with silly slogans ie its ok not to be ok... its time to change etc. But they have no substance. Certainly not to a person who is clinically depressed. Another common one on social media is... my door is always open come over for a cup of tea. Its well meant but let's get it right if someone is severly depressed they rarely leave the bedroom or sofa. I think there will always be social fear of mental illness as its seen as unpredictable.
With point 5 i think that is so true. The tbeory is so blunt and simplistic. We dont know exactly how the medicines work but depression is simply low serotonin in the brain, and ssris will keep more of it in the brain and you will feel better. Someone more informed may be able to correct me on this but i dont think there is a test to measure serotonin in the brain yet ?
I also think society has become a bit cynical (maybe correctly so) of depression. Anybody can present themselves at a doctor s with the symptoms, be given anti depressants and take a month off work, if they wish. Because it isnt measurable it can be abused.

That's true, but many physicial illnesses cannot be measured objectively either, because the tech is not there which is a problem, like mine. There is no real diagnostic test, apart from my subjective experience of intense pain, so I'm unsure if I would be given euthanasia by one of the rare countries where it is legalised and regulated.

There is the case of Adam Maier-Clayton who was diagnosed with a "mental condition" they say was very rare where the mind convinces itself the body is in intense pain (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-40546632). My problem with that diagnosis, is they did not know for sure whether it was psychological in origin, or physical, and they just didn't have understanding of the disease to diagnose it properly. This guy was suffering for years, tried loads of therapies, and killed himself after protesting on social media about the bias against mental conditions.

This isn't even a good way to look at it, if some one is suffering terribly and there are no reasonable options left, then that is a good basis for the exit, instead of what diagnosis they have.



That's a good summary Ark as always, thank you.

Fair point. Maybe the idea of a diagnosis shouldnt be necessary, it just seems that the medical profession is geared up like that and society probably doesnt view happiness and quality of life as good enough reasons not to want to be alive.

i read somewhere that only less than 10% of depressed people commit suicide.

That may well be the case, but ive also read about studies that say that people with clinical depression tend to have shorter lifespans, dying earlier from other things that cannot be pinned on depression. And those studies arent conclusive. So yes, i guess cause of death doesnt go on most long term depressed peoples death certificate as depression. But it doesnt take away the fact that there are so many people who have spent decades with it, tried every treatment offered and ultimitely have suffered until they die. People can have diabetes for decades and still find enjoyment in life. But again its a very difficult debate to have i guess.

 

[Mm80]

Genes can be altered during life. See: epigenetics. Traumatic and stressful life circumstances can cause changes to our dna, revealing physical and psychic illness. I'm convinced that PTSD for example is a disorder that's caused by bad influence of long term exposure to stress hormones as cortisol, adrenaline etc. , them attacking our dna and alter things in it. What bothers me the most is that people with mental disorders or depression get so easily prescribed antidepressants, while it's known that the side effect can be more harmful, e.g. inducing psychosis and other troublesome effects.

Thank you very interesting points. Id be interested in advancement into measuring neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine etc in the brain and seeing how they are altered with people with mood disorders and 3xactly how the drugs interact.also as mentioned the genetic cause of mental illness. Such a true point that antidepressants are given out so easily, i put this down to their safety in overdose (ssris) and the pressure on doctors to fix a problem quickly.

 

[passenger27]

This is actually a really good question.

 

[Mm80]

I don't agree, there is always a reason and trivializing the things that someone has been through down to a magical illness is like being slapped in the face. Our bodies are designed for survival, not happiness. Depression is a byproduct of evolution to push us to survive by dangling short term fulfillment in front of us that we constantly need to chase. Unfortunately evolution didn't account for the traumatic things that people do to one another, the backwards society we live in, the 40-60 hour work weeks to not even be able to afford a home, loneliness, and all kinds of horrible things. Depression worked when we were cavemen and the only thing we had to chase after was food and shelter in order to be momentarily satisfied.

Very interesting points thank you. I think onebigblur Is saying that the medical proffession have almost constructed a model of mental illness when in reality its just a difference in people and doesnt need to be classified (please correct me if im wrong) because there is a medical model in place i do understand where protonic76 is coming from when saying clinical depression can happen without a cause. As ive had times in my life when i couldnt put my finger on why i was depressed, and came to a biological conclusion that my brain was wired differently and didnt produce the same chemicals as most peoples. I could be wrong there could have been a cause and i couldnt see it. On the other hand i believe there is reactive depression, bereavement, stress etc that can naturally be overcome and if someone took their lives in those circumstances it would be such a shame and very sad. If someone took their life after 30 years of severe depression, i would be happy that they were out their suffering.

This is actually a really good question.

Many thanks.
Its something that came up with psychiatrist last week and i thought id share. We came on to the subject of suicidal ideation and i told him the drugs ive a cquired and a detailed plan, should i lose all hope. He looked at me as if i had two heads so i went on to ask could he blame me for having a plan ? 21 years of going to and from the docs. At least 8 medications, attended counselling which didnt help. Been in hospital. Crap quality of life. I wasnt looking for pity or blaming anyone just wanted understanding. And the next question was...would you be willing to surrender any of these drugs you have acquired? Which basically covers the nhs.i said no, do you know how difficult it is to get this stuff?

 

[BlueWidow]

i read somewhere that only less than 10% of depressed people commit suicide.

I think they dramatically under estimate the number of depressed people who actually commit suicide. Many suicides are falsely labeled as accidents, in some cases on purpose so as not to attract media attention or to bring more distress to a family. I think way more people commit suicide than is reported. Not all people who commit suicide are depressed though, and not all people who are depressed commit suicide.

 

[sleepy dog]

I think they dramatically under estimate the number of depressed people who actually commit suicide. Many suicides are falsely labeled as accidents, in some cases on purpose so as not to attract media attention or to bring more distress to a family. I think way more people commit suicide than is reported. Not all people who commit suicide are depressed though, and not all people who are depressed commit suicide.

I personally think many deaths are recorded as "Undetermined". It happened with a friend. She was very suicidal and going thru hell. In the USA, a medical examiner does not need any certain level of education, degree, or training to get the job. I really think suicides are under reported.

 

[Moonicide]

It's really frustrating for me as I've lived and struggled with multiple mental illnesses for 15 years. That shit is terminal by now... I wish we all had that option to exit peacefully. Mental illness is so soul crushing and eats you alive day in and day out. Weeks, months, and years... It's very much real and should be treated seriously like any other illness.

 

[Mm80]

It's really frustrating for me as I've lived and struggled with multiple mental illnesses for 15 years. That shit is terminal by now... I wish we all had that option to exit peacefully. Mental illness is so soul crushing and eats you alive day in and day out. Weeks, months, and years... It's very much real and should be treated seriously like any other illness.

I feel your pain. As long as the person has complied with the medical help and other support, tried all the therapies and still has mental health issues for decades and wishes to die, it should be considered. And this is no way the fault of the medical profession for not being able to fix us, they are doing their best. Its about having a bit of compassion and recognising that endless suffering doesnt help anybody, the individual, the family, the health services, or the economy.