Physically healthy woman, 28, 'scheduled' to get euthanized in May amid crippling depression
Trigger warning: This article deals with depression, mental health illness, and death.
A Dutch woman who’s physically healthy said she’s “scheduled” to get euthanized in May amid her reported struggles with crippling depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder.
The Free Press reported that Zoraya ter Beek, a 28-year-old resident of a Dutch town near the German border, said she’s tired of living.
Ter Beek said her plan is to be cremated.
“I did not want to burden my partner with having to keep the grave tidy,” she said. “We have not picked an urn yet, but that will be my new house!”
She once wanted to become a psychiatrist, but didn’t finish school or start a career.
Ter Beek recalled her psychiatrist telling her that they had tried everything, but “there’s nothing more we can do for you. It’s never gonna get any better.”
That’s when she decided to die.
“I was always very clear that if it doesn’t get better, I can’t do this anymore,” she said.
On that fateful day, ter Beek said her “liberation” will take place at her home. There will be no music, and she’d be in her couch in the living room.
She’d then take a cup of coffee “to settle the atmosphere,” then her doctor will ask if she’s ready.
“I will take my place on the couch. She will once again ask if I am sure, and she will start up the procedure and wish me a good journey,” ter Beek said. “Or, in my case, a nice nap, because I hate it if people say, ‘Safe journey.’ I’m not going anywhere.’”
The doctor will administer a sedative, then a drug that will stop her heart.
After ter Beek dies, a review committee will evaluate her death to ensure the doctor adhered to “due care criteria.” The Dutch government will then (almost certainly) declare that her life was lawfully ended, according to The Free Press.
Ter Beek said she asked her boyfriend to be with her until the end.
She won’t have a funeral, saying she doesn’t have much family. She also believes that her friends will feel like going.
Her boyfriend will scatter her ashes in “a nice spot in the woods” that they have chosen together.
Still, ter Beek said she’s “a little afraid of dying because it’s the ultimate unknown.”
“We don’t really know what’s next—or is there nothing?” she said. “That’s the scary part.”
According to AFP, the Netherlands and neighboring Belgium became the first countries in the world to make euthanasia legal in 2002. In April last year, the Dutch government said it's allowing euthanasia for children under 12, particulary those who are suffering "unbearably and without hope."
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If you think you, your friend, or your family member is experiencing mental health problems, you may call the National Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 1553 (Luzon-wide, landline toll-free), 0966-351-4518 or 0917-899-USAP (8727) for Globe/TM users, or 0908-639-2672 for Smart users. It’s offering free, compassionate, and confidential support over the phone 24/7.