Matthew's Journal

While I can definitely see where you're coming from, I think perhaps the option of euthanasia after suitable counselling might actually lead to *fewer* suicides from the deeply depressed. The inevitable delay between the moment of decision and actually being able to act on it could be enough to allow people to change their minds. The process of arranging it may give more chances for help to be offered, and perhaps accepted. And for those who *do* still go through it after those checks and balances it might still be kinder on those left behind than hanging yourself or taking pills and leaving someone to find you, or just walking under a truck. You can only protect people from themselves a certain amount, even if they're ill.

And I speak as someone who has been horribly affected by the suicides of others and who would counsel everyone to do all they can to avoid it. It's something I've promised myself I won't do.


I found this article from techiebabe very moving on the subject of having others to care for you:

http://flashsays.com/2011/06/13/carers-week-strange-love-stories/