Strong controversy: he is 28 years old, struggles with depression and will undergo euthanasia

In a poignant reflection on the complexities surrounding mental health and the right to die, Zoraya ter Beeka 28-year-old Dutch woman chose euthanasia as a last resort after a long battle with depression, autism and borderline personality disorder. Despite being physically healthy, Ter Beek’s mental health issues led her to this heartbreaking decision, marking a significant moment that challenges perceptions about euthanasia and mental illness.

Ter Beek’s life, filled with the love of her boyfriend and her cats, and her aspirations to become a psychiatrist, underlines the depth of her internal struggle. His decision to undergo euthanasia in May, a legal option in the Netherlands since 2001, is a testament to his persistent pain and the lack of improvement in his condition despite his efforts and treatment.

The case highlights a larger and somewhat controversial trend in Western societies, where people suffer from serious mental health problems increasingly consider euthanasia, traditionally associated with terminal physical illnesses.

This change raises ethical questions and concerns, especially among healthcare workers and ethicists like Stef Groenewoud of Kampen Theological University, who notes an apparent willingness to give up on young patients with psychiatric illnesses.

During the meticulously planned surgery, Ter Beek will be sedated and then administered drugs by a doctor in the presence of her fiancé, in the familiar atmosphere of her living room. Despite his decision, ter Beek admits that he is afraid of the unknown represented by death, which embodies the human fear of what lies beyond life.

This story also highlights the pioneering role of the Netherlands in legalizing assisted dying and its growing uptake, with thousands of people choosing this path every year.. Sharing her journey and decision on social media, ter Beek’s narrative offers a raw and intimate look at the struggles of those living with profound mental anguish and the complex interplay between autonomy, suffering, and the right to choose one’s own life and your own destiny.

ter Beek’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the invisible battles many face and the need for ongoing dialogue, understanding, and compassion to address the spectrum of mental health challenges in our society.