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> How many people are so mentally ill that death is the only conceivable escape, but at the same time so mentally well that they can make an informed medical de
by CaptainOfCoit 2y ago
> How many people are so mentally ill that death is the only conceivable escape, but at the same time so mentally well that they can make an informed medical decision about the end of their life. Certainly I believe that number to be very low, potentially it might just be zero.
People suffering from non-suicidal mental illnesses could fit this description. For example, consider a patient who has undergone various therapies and medical examinations but remains irrationally terrified of fluids and can only receive them via injection. They'll be mentally sound enough to make an informed decision, and the patient concludes that life is not worth living.
- constantcrying 2y agoIs that just a thought experiment? Almost all mental illnesses I am aware of seem to be experienced continuously, maybe with an ebb and flow in intensity. But even if such a person existed and the phobia wasn't persistent without a doubt the person would suffer from related anxieties. I don't believe that you could suffer from such a condition and be mentally well for any amount of time, although I certainly see your point that during certain periods the person might be able to make an informed decision.