Woman, 28, Opts for Euthanasia Rather Than Living with Mental Illness: 'I’m a Little Afraid of Dying'

Mar. 15, 2025

Stock image of a doctor holding patient’s arm.Photo:Getty

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A 28-year-old woman in the Netherlands has opted to end her life with euthanasia instead of living with mental illness.

Zoraya ter Beek, who lives in the small town of Oldenzaal, toldThe Free Pressin an interview published on Monday, April 1, that she expects to be euthanized in early May, having lived with depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder.

“I was always very clear that if it doesn’t get better. I can’t do this anymore,” she told the media company, explaining that the procedure will take place at her home with “no music.”

“I will be going on the couch in the living room,” she said, per The Free Press.

Stock image of an empty couch.Getty

Ter Beek, who lives with her 40-year-old boyfriend and their two cats, told the media company that a psychiatrist previously told her that “there’s nothing more we can do for you. It’s never gonna get any better.”

“I’m a little afraid of dying because it’s the ultimate unknown. We don’t really know what’s next—or is there nothing? That’s the scary part," said ter Beek, per The Free Press.

She plans to be cremated and told the outlet that she and her boyfriend have chosen “a nice spot in the woods” to have her ashes scattered.

The procedure became legal in the Netherlands when theTermination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Actwas passed in April 2001, taking into effect in April 2022.

Stock image of a forest.Getty

With its passing, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to make euthanasia legal, perBBC News.

The website explains that “requests for euthanasia often come from patients experiencing unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement.

“Their request must be made earnestly and with full conviction. They see euthanasia as the only escape from the situation. However, patients have no absolute right to euthanasia and doctors no absolute duty to perform it,” the website continues.

Stock image of a doctor holding a patient’s arm.Getty

According to The Free Press, ter Beek expects the doctor to “create a soft atmosphere” and that she will help “settle the nerves.”

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“Then she asks if I am 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,” said Ter Beek, per The Free Press. “Or, in my case, a nice nap, because I hate it if people say, ‘Safe journey.’ I’m not going anywhere.”

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

source: people.com