injection if they choose to and if they've tried tablets and every other avenue and it hasn't worked - instead of forcing their only option to be be a painful suicide to be free of their torment?
2007-02-12 09:26:05 · 22 answers · asked by Johnno 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Sue D - Some people are highly resistant to these meds and none brings relief
2007-02-12 09:41:59 · update #1
lifes a gambol - I'm from the UK
2007-02-12 09:43:49 · update #2
Good question - don't have the answer, but I'll add my two bits in..
The problem with whether or not someone should be allowed to die with dignity is made more difficult with the idea that judgement may be clouded because of the illness. For example, if someone is suicidal, they may, over time and with the right medications and/or treatment, come to a point where life doesn't seem so hopeless.
The other major mental illnesses - schizophrenia, bioplar - well - don't really know. I guess the question then is: what about the people who may be allowed to do so, but then there is a medication that may come along that will be an effective treatment? How many different medications do you try before you finally decide that enough is enough? Is there a difference between having a mental illness and having a terminal illness?
To put this in perspective ... about 20 years ago, when we I was being treated for my mental health 'issues,' the professionals had misdiagnosed my illness. Given the state that I was in (highly suicidal,) had I been allowed to follow through with that choice, I would not be here today. Now (today) - having been given the right diagnosis, thus the right treatment, I am doing very very well *big smile* - so... where is that defining line? Just think... I would have been dead 20 years ago!
What's the answer?
2007-02-12 10:19:46 · answer #1 · answered by barbieisthe1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
L have had Bipolar disorder for thirty five years. I have had every treatment you can imagine from the archaic tricylic antidepressants, lithium, lamictal, prozac, paxil and every new drug that has come out on the market. The medications helped a little but never fully took away the torment. I had multiple doctors, worked very hard with therapy teams, kept journals and did everything I possibly could to live with this disorder. I attended classes, spoke with therapists, coaches and others. The problem is bipolar disorder does not go away and has only gotten worse as I have aged (age 55). I was diagnosed with end stage renal failure secondary to taking lithium for twenty years. You make think that I should have been getting regular lithium levels done as well as regular blood panels to ensure my kidneys/liver were not having problems. I had all the appropriate blood work done and no kidney failure showed up until my creatinine level was 12. I was physically healthy otherwise and thus my body compensated for my kidney failure. The failed kidney function could not be detected by urine or blood samples. I have been told I need to start hemodialysis immediately as my kidney function is approximately 4%. I will not be taking any dialysis. I am finally going to be legally and happily end my bipolar disorder:) Remember, death is not a temporary solution to a temporary problem (bipolar disorder), it is a permanent solution to a permanent problem.
2015-10-15 16:56:56 · answer #2 · answered by Karen 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question !
Assume that all treatments have failed and the person is actually in torment ? Who defines that?
This presupposes that there is no chance of any new treatment or procedure so the patient is in mental agony ? Ask yourself whether this is their definition or yours? If yours, do you have the right to make a life & death decision over someone else?
This depends on your personal religious beliefs!
Overall I would say no as the principle is basically wrong in a Christian based society.
Addition
If the problems are yours I apologise for my apparent insensitivity. Other contributers have better knowledge, and hopefully more wisdom than I have.
2007-02-12 09:40:06 · answer #3 · answered by lifesagambol 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
Speaking as a schizophrenic and only having personal experience to go on, I have tried suicide 4 times long ago in the darker times but now I am under control - I regret the fact I wouldn't have been here.
2007-02-12 10:06:36 · answer #4 · answered by suebnm 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have been close to some folks who have different mental illness.
Sad to say, but most of what the doctors do is guesswork.
Drs. are unable to even explain why& how most meds work.
If I had to depend on that same guessworking "Professional" to decide how serious the patients' condition REALLY is, I'd be frightened.
None of us is capable of making that kind of decision for another .
2007-02-12 09:54:51 · answer #5 · answered by Croa 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In that case I would have been dead many times over...that is why they come up with new treatments all the time. I am not going to get all holy...but who's to say the torment would be over...no one even me as a Christian can say exactly what comes next...if I were 95 with Alzheimers, pooping and peeing myself, not eatting and wasted away to 95 lbs, and living in a nursing home I might give it a 2nd thought. I have never considered my bipolar as a death sentence but a wild ride.
2007-02-12 10:48:35 · answer #6 · answered by steelgal 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
very hard to answer this, thank god never had serious mantal health problems! How could anyone ever know that this would really be the right thing ever! Most people like this can have a drug regime that works quite effectively ! so no i don't think so, but i get your point! As my grandad used to say! " there are 2 types of "mad" people theose with a happy tune in their head and those with a horrid tune in their head!" What a wise man he was because you can be mentally ill but happily unaware of it, or mentally ill and very tormented by it! However i do think all mental illnesses can be treated to some extent!
2007-02-12 09:42:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
People with major mental disorders can live fullfilling and meaningful lives. Personally, I am all for doctor assisted suicide, I feel this should only apply to terminal cases. Not to downplay the torment that those with major mental illness go through.
2007-02-12 09:38:14 · answer #8 · answered by Matt T 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question but I quickly view two issues.
Issue one: doctors cannot confirm a sound mind of a person with these disorders/diseases. Therefore, no doctor will ethically make that decision.
Issue two: it depends on the illness but many of them are controllable. Thereby, eliminating the need to end it because they can still live a productive life.
2007-02-12 09:34:25 · answer #9 · answered by S H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People often feel suicidal when they are actively suffering from severe mental disorders. Most are of course grateful to be alive following either cure or At least remission.
Generally most doctors are against euthanasia whatever the situation anyway.
2007-02-12 16:56:34 · answer #10 · answered by Dr Frank 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋