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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not understand why suicide is illegal?

133 replies

DollyDoLittle · 29/05/2011 14:47

Can anyone explain it to me?

Surely a person should have the right to be able to choose wether they want to continue living or not?

OP posts:
lesley33 · 29/05/2011 17:28

I lost someone very close to me through suicide 2 months ago as a result of mental illness. It is devastating and so I understand the natural wish to hope someone with mental illness, with the right support, will get better. I think it is unrealistic to expect close family and friends to support this.

Original poster
DollyDoLittle · 29/05/2011 17:33

But that's my point, her husband is willing to assist her suicide because he understands that her suffering might become that unbearable. nobody would be willing to support a mentally ill person commit suicide who found life equally unbearable.

OP posts:
Original poster
DollyDoLittle · 29/05/2011 17:35

Lesley, but what if a person had been ill for 10+ years and nothing helped. Why should they have to continue to live in pain and torment?

OP posts:
TheFlyingOnion · 29/05/2011 17:35

dolly you're talking bollocks now...

lesley33 · 29/05/2011 17:35

Because whether you think they are being realistic or not, most people think or hope someone with mental illness will get better. With physical terminal illnesses, everyone knows the person won't get better.

lesley33 · 29/05/2011 17:37

I do understand dolly where you are coming from. But suicide blows others peoples lives apart as well.

TheFlyingOnion · 29/05/2011 17:38

Debbie Purdey wants her husband to commit suicide. She went to court because this is currently illegal in the UK, and her husband would be arrested if he helped her.

This is the same whether she wanted to commit suicide because of MS, or because of depression. Legally, there is no difference.

Maybe there are people who want to assist someone else with their suicide and that someone is suicidal through mental illness. You have no idea, and neither do I.

The point people are making is that lots of people with mental illness can, and want to get better. They are then helped to get better, in lots of cases, and go on to live full, enjoyable lives.

Some do not get better, and commit suicide. Were anyone to help them, this would be illegal.

I have tried to be clear. If you continue to be wilfully daft, I may have to take evasive action...

TheFlyingOnion · 29/05/2011 17:39

sorry, wants her husband to help her commit suicide Blush

Original poster
DollyDoLittle · 29/05/2011 17:40

I don't dispute that suicide is devastating for the family and friends. I just wonder why its so different for people with mental illness.

OP posts:
TandB · 29/05/2011 17:42

It's pretty simple. Someone with a terminal illness has a clear diagnosis and there is no dispute as to what lies ahead for them. They also have no mental impairment that might cast doubt on their ability to make the most important decision of their life.

Someone with a mental illness is unlikely to have a completely clear prognosis and there will be uncertainty as to what the future will hold for them. They also have a mental impairment that most certainly does cast doubt upon their ability to make an informed decision to end their life.

How is this hard to understand?

Original poster
DollyDoLittle · 29/05/2011 17:42

Intrigued to know what your evasive action would be!

OP posts:
BabyReindeer · 29/05/2011 17:43

Life insurance is not always invalidated in the event of suicide - usually there is a bar on claims within the first part of the period of cover - mine is 2 years.

TheFlyingOnion · 29/05/2011 17:43

for fucks sake LEGALLY IT ISN'T DIFFERENT!!!!

and also WHAT KUNGFUPANDA SAID!!!

Now I am hiding the thread. Are you being deliberately obtuse?

Original poster
DollyDoLittle · 29/05/2011 17:46

No, just trying to understand and this thread has helped. Don't get your knickers in a twist about someone asking a few questions.

OP posts:
Original poster
DollyDoLittle · 29/05/2011 17:48

And I know legally there is no difference. I'm Not talking about the legal side, I'm talking about societys attitude.

OP posts:
TandB · 29/05/2011 17:49

You are not asking a few questions - you are asking the same question over and over again.

TheFlyingOnion · 29/05/2011 17:49
ada07 · 29/05/2011 17:50

lesley sincere sympathy for your loss. How dreadful for you all.

delusionsofadequacy · 29/05/2011 17:52

There have been cases of patients with long standing, relapsing mental illnesses who have written advanced directives, when well, stating that should they attempt to take their own life they should not receive medical treatment. I think these have stood up in court as well. Wish I could remember the actual cases

Original poster
DollyDoLittle · 29/05/2011 17:55

That's really interesting delusions, I'd be really keen to learn more about such cases.

OP posts:
delusionsofadequacy · 29/05/2011 18:00

sorry I don't have any more details. It was just something I remember from a mental health module at uni. I think the case discussed was in Norfolk somewhere but can't be sure

ScousyFogarty · 29/05/2011 18:09

i HAVE NOT HAD TIME TO READ ALL POSTS. (busy on disability thread of mine)Suicide is NOT illegal in this country..Assisted suicide could be if you were charged...The law here may change but not just yet...

Original poster
DollyDoLittle · 29/05/2011 18:11

No problem delusions. I think I'm going to seek legal advice so will see what they say.

OP posts:
ada07 · 29/05/2011 18:13

Why are you interested OP? Is it 'intellectual' curiosity? Or about someone you know?

shineoncrazydiam0nd · 29/05/2011 18:38

Why do you want to know?