Lecture on Mental Illness and Medically Assisted Dying

Introduction

• Speaker: John Scully, 82 years old
• John is a journalist with a history of severe depression, PTSD, and anxiety
• Topic: Medically Assisted Dying (MAID) for mental illness

Personal Experience

• John wakes up with nightmares, experiences somatic and chronic pain
• Suffered from asthma as a child, leading to missed school and mental decline
• Journalism career took him to war zones, exacerbating PTSD
• History of suicide attempts and extensive treatment for mental illness

Medically Assisted Dying (MAID) in Canada

• Currently available for terminal illness and chronic conditions, not mental illness
• Controversial debate ongoing about extending MAID to mental illness
• Germany, France, UK are debating similar issues

Advocacy and Challenges

• Dying with Dignity: Advocacy group supporting MAID
  • Increase in calls from people with mental health issues
  • Emphasize the importance of proper assessment and distinction from suicidal ideation
• Dr. Sonu Ghand: Critical of MAID for mental illness, cites unpredictability of recovery
• Dr. Chantal Perrault: Supports expansion, highlights proper assessment protocols

Legal and Social Context

• Canadian Supreme Court's 2015 ruling on dignity and autonomy
• Delays in legislation for MAID solely for mental health, possibly due in 2027
• Concerns about equality in treatment between mental and physical illnesses

Personal Stories

• Georgia: Diagnosed with bipolar disorder after years of depression; treatment changed her life
• Emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis before allowing MAID

Public Opinion and Future Steps

• Polls show only 42% of Canadians support MAID for mental illness
• Discussion on societal readiness and ethical implications

Conclusion

• John continues to advocate for MAID for mental illness despite setbacks
• The debate continues, with emphasis on careful assessment and support systems for people with mental illness

Resources

• Befrienders Worldwide offers support for those in distress: www.befrienders.org