Physically healthy Dutch woman, 28, decides to be euthanized due to crippling depression
A physically healthy 28-year-old Dutch woman has decided to legally end her life due to her struggles with crippling depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder, according to a report.
"‘There’s nothing more we can do for you. It’s never gonna get any better,’" her doctors told her, which led to her decision.
More individuals like her are opting for euthanasia due to mental health problems that, unlike terminal illnesses, could potentially be treated. This trend is observed amid various societal challenges such as economic uncertainty, climate change, and the impact of social media.
Ter Beek plans to be euthanized in May, surrounded by her boyfriend and her two cats. She will be cremated afterward, with her boyfriend scattering her ashes in a place they have chosen in the woods.
"I’m a little afraid of dying because it’s the ultimate unknown," she expressed. "We don’t really know what’s next—or is there nothing? That’s the scary part."
The Netherlands legalized assisted suicide in 2001, becoming the first country to do so. Since then, it has become a more prevalent option, with 8,720 euthanasia deaths reported in 2022, representing about 5% of all deaths in the country.
Critics argue that such laws might encourage vulnerable individuals to end their lives and liken the increase in suicides to a contagion.
In response to the article, Ter Beek criticized it on Twitter and announced her departure from social media ahead of her scheduled euthanasia.
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