Stuff co.nz 19 June 2019
Family First Comment: “I find the End of Life Choice Bill very scary. At my lowest point I could have seen suicide as a way out, and I’d never be able to live the life I have now.”
#rejectassistedsuicide
OPINION: When I was 16, I was in a high-speed crash that caused me to lose the use of my legs and to suffer many other injuries.
Through many operations, and pain that has taken a toll on my body and mental well-being, I am very happy to say I’ve found peace with my injuries. I now have a somewhat normal life, filled with good people, support and hope for the future.
I also suffered what I believe to be post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which really took a toll on my mental well-being.
There were times where I would shut myself away for days, not wanting to face the condition I was in.
At these times my family still gave me glimpses of hope, encouragement and always saw the good in me when I couldn’t. These days sometimes got so bad I would wish I had died in the crash, but with the right support, people encouraging me, and good friends, my life has turned around from having no hope to actually enjoying life as it should be.
I find the End of Life Choice Bill very scary. At my lowest point I could have seen suicide as a way out, and I’d never be able to live the life I have now.
I think instead of assisting people with their death, we should encourage them, support them and explain to them with compassion that they are worth having around.
My life after my crash was incredibly tough but now that I’ve gotten through the pain and hurt, I can live a good life with the people who care for me.
READ MORE: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/euthanasia-debate/113428458/instead-of-offering-assisted-suicide-lets-help-those-who-are-suffering
