Physically fit Dutch woman opts Euthanasia after suffering from severe mental health conditions: Report

A 28-year-old physically fit woman chooses to legally end her life. According to the report, doctors informed the woman Ter Beek that there were no further treatment options. Know about euthanasia

Her condition has become so worse despite having a loving boyfriend and pets, she feels that her mental illness is untreatable. (Image: Freepik)

New Delhi: A physically fit 28-year-old woman from Dutch who suffered severe mental health issues including depression, autism and borderline personality disorder throughout her life has legally decided to end her life, as per The New York Post. According to the report, doctors informed the woman Ter Beek that there were no further treatment options.

Her condition has become so worse despite having a loving boyfriend and pets, she feels that her mental illness is untreatable. The report further notes that there is a rising trend in the Netherlands where euthanasia is legal. An increasing number of people are choosing to end their lives after suffering from mental health issues rather than enduring them.

Ter Beek’s case has sparked debate

According to international media reports, the case of Ter Beek has sparked debate as some people believe that such a trend of healthcare professionals are readily resorting to euthanasia for mental health conditions. While on the other hand, some argue that it grants terminally ill patients more control over their final days.

According to a Free Press report, the debate has arisen because more and more people are deciding to end their lives while suffering from a slew of mental health complications including depression or anxiety, amplified by economic uncertainty, climate change and social media.

What is euthanasia?

Euthanasia refers to consciously ending someone’s life, usually to relieve their suffering. Sometimes, medical experts perform the procedure when it’s requested by people who have a terminal disease and are suffering a lot of pain. It’s a complex process which involves multiple factors such as one’s physical and mental health and their personal beliefs and wishes all play a role.

Stef Groenewoud, a healthcare ethicist at Theological University Kampen in the Netherlands noted in the report that such procedures are some sort of acceptable option brought to the table by physicians or psychiatrists when earlier it was the ultimate last resort.

Treatments for mental health issues

Medication

Psychotherapy

Brain-stimulation treatments

Hospital and residential treatment schemes