Unknown userMember
TW: Voluntary Assisted Dying - Your thoughts & personal experiences regarding current mental health issues in society
Hi, everyone, I hope you are all managing things as best you can.
I'll cut right to the chase in order not to waste anyone's time.
I will be meeting with a politician in the House of Representatives next Thursday (23rd, May) to discuss some issues related to mental health. These issues are of personal importance to me, but I would love to get input from members of this chat rather than just give my own opinions.
I would ask that we keep this respectful and not impose political views or opinions on anyone.
Firstly, I will discuss the importance of work in terms of the positive benefits it provides and the necessity for flexible arrangements to support people's ability to take ad hoc ‘time-out’ to address mental health needs free from the stress of depleting sick leave or other leave entitlements. Also, given the increased casualisation of the workforce, many people have to take leave without pay, which places additional financial stressors on many.
What can we do to make things easier for people in this regard? What are your thoughts and personal experiences on this topic?
Second, I will discuss what I refer to as slipping through the cracks of support services. For example, the process and eligibility requirements for the Disability Support Pension (DSP) are not attainable for many; the process is extremely long and, for many people, likely to fail on the first attempt. I know personally that I would not qualify as I work too much, but the only reason I work too much is that I have bills to pay and do not want to be homeless. I have been told to go on Jobseeker or reduce my hours to less than 15 P/W to meet eligibility requirements. This is not feasible as Jobseeker or 15 hrs P/W would barely cover rent.
I've also been told by healthcare professionals that I would most likely not get DSP on the first attempt despite my diagnosis (Complex PTSD, Anxiety, Depression).
It is the same for Disability Employment Scheme (DES).
What can we do to make things easier for people in this regard? What are your thoughts and personal experiences on this topic?
Finally, I will discuss Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) and Mental illness.
For example, the last 2-3 years have been a living nightmare; my quality of life is extremely low, and the thought of doing this for another 35-40 years does not sit well with me. I have exhausted all meds and nearly all types of psychotherapy and have not seen any change whatsoever. Sure, things may improve in the future, but how long do I wait? 5, 10, or 20 years?
Basically, I want my bodily autonomy, including how and when I die. When the time comes that I've had enough, I would prefer to access VAD as it offers a painless, peaceful exit and would allow me to get my affairs in order before my exit without leaving a literal and figurative mess for others to clean up.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think that people with serious mental illness should be allowed to access VAD?
Take care,
Quixotic
