Rational Suicide vs. Forced Intolerable Life

DeathPills_shutterstock_1209313996Some psychologists/psychiatrists are just beginning to discuss the idea of rational suicide. That a person forced to live an intolerable life — with absolutely no chance of improvement — might rationally wish to end it. Journal articles are being written, and there’s even an academic book – Rational Suicide in the Elderly — Clinical, Ethical, and Sociocultural Aspects published in 2017.

However… this idea is far from being accepted. In fact, just voicing to your physician that you might consider suicide in the future — even if you state you are not considering it now — could be enough to find yourself involuntarily committed to a mental ward. At the very least, you are likely to be referred for psychiatric evaluation. And once you’ve been evaluated, that will become a permanent part of your medical record — which could color how hospitals/physicians see future actions of yours. Continue reading “Rational Suicide vs. Forced Intolerable Life”

Proof that age doesn’t always bring wisdom

FastRiver_shutterstock_1163812393My excuse is… I never grew up around rivers. I first got in a boat of any kind (a kayak) in my late 30s. But it still takes an astonishing lack of wisdom to underestimate Mother Nature.

She and I fought this past weekend, and I’m very lucky to be alive. And still have both my dogs alive.

Like most of you, I feel guilty I don’t exercise enough. And the only kind of exercise that doesn’t feel like being forced to scrub floors on my hands and knees (thanks mom & dad!) — is sports. So when a friend suggested we go kayaking last weekend — it sounded great. Continue reading “Proof that age doesn’t always bring wisdom”

Assisted Suicide — What are your rights?

By Vallerina F. Day

euthanasia-word-cloud-concept-illustration-id656773480Say you wake up after an accident in the hospital. You slowly realize that you are completely paralyzed and on a ventilator. All your life you have feared this very circumstance. You still have your wits about you and you are filled with revulsion at the idea of living helpless and captive to machinery. You would much rather die than live in this condition, even though the doctors say you could live for years. Is there help for you?  Continue reading “Assisted Suicide — What are your rights?”

What makes a “good” death?

Black Square Button with Corpse Tag IconHave you wondered about how you would like to die? Beyond the snap answers of our youth, such as “in my sleep” or the more risqué “in the saddle”?

My only remaining brother just died today, so in between the tears and the memories I’ve been thinking about how he went. And how the rest of the family went. Of mom, dad and four kids, just my sister and I remain.  Continue reading “What makes a “good” death?”