Opinion: It’s time for MAID for mental health sufferers
It has been nearly three years since the federal government committed to allowing access to MAID for persons whose request is based on a mental disorder. A special joint committee of MPs and senators has been convened to assess the readiness for this practice, something that was not required for any other group of Canadians.
It is important to ensure that the health-care system is ready but from my accounts, there has been plenty of time and work done to prepare.
What shouldn’t be forgotten in this process are the people who are impacted by the delays. I am one among many people across the country who have lived with mental illnesses for decades. We have tried many treatments and medications. We have had moments of relief but ultimately cannot find long-term solutions for our symptoms.
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Health Minister Mark Holland speaks to the media during a federal cabinet retreat in Montreal. Most provinces and territories are asking the federal government to “indefinitely pause” expanding the eligibility for assisted death.
Our suffering is unbearable.
We have been excluded from MAID for too long without good reason. It is discrimination; this is outlined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Our suffering is no different than those who have physical conditions, or for that matter, no different from others with mental illness who can apply because they also have a physical illness. While precautions are important, we deserve the same rights and access to health care as everyone else.
I have been suffering from mental illness since my 20s. I was diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder, a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as major depression and anxiety. After 20 good years, the medications stopped working. I was no longer able to go to the job I loved or do things that once brought me pleasure.
Over the next three years, we tried every medication and combinations of medication. I had 12 shock therapies, 12 ketamine infusions, cognitive behaviour therapy, exposure therapy and light therapy. I spent a week in a psych ward but nothing worked. I have made three suicide attempts leading to hospitalization and the ICU.
I am virtually housebound. It is very difficult for me to go out and the burden falls on my husband to get our groceries, my medications, and personal items. I had to sell my car because I am too anxious to drive. I wake up in the morning and immediately cry and shake with anxiety, not knowing how I am going to make it through another day.
When I heard that assisted dying for people suffering from a mental illness was coming in March of 2023, I discussed it with my doctors and family. Of course, they do not want to lose me, but they all know how much I have suffered and support me in my decision.
When it was postponed for another year, I was devastated. I think about killing myself every day. I can no longer feel any joy or happiness, only misery and suffering.
Instead of being allowed to die peacefully, why should my husband be subject to the trauma of finding me because I took my death into my own hands? This is cruel, but this is what will happen to some of us if we continue to be excluded. It is particularly disappointing to me that so much opposition is coming from my home province of Manitoba.
I know there is a lot of opposition to MAID for mental illness, but there is a great need for this, when people like me become resistant to treatment and the medication and treatments no longer work.
Everyone knows that this can happen for other chronic conditions. Mental illnesses are no exception.
I know most people will not be found eligible. But simply having the option to request this end-of-life option and be assessed will give great relief to so many people, as well as contribute to reducing the stigma around mental illness.
I have had access to excellent care. My doctors agree that I have tried everything there is to try and that my suffering is severe. I have been trapped in this situation for many years. I should be given the same choice to end my suffering and to die peacefully with my family by my side like all other Canadians.
Please, no more delays. The preparations are done.
Cathy Van Buskirk writes from Brandon.
Credit: Opinion: It’s time for MAID for mental health sufferers
