How to Speak with Family About the Decision to Look into PAS

Honestly, upon looking at Reddit posts from people who posted about physician-assisted suicide, many said they were planning on approaching loved ones saying they're considering suicide. They looked online, and were going to follow the steps listed to tell people about suicidal thinking.

Which would of course be followed up with gravitation in the medicinal department.

The situation is just so nuanced. To some it's suicide, to others it's simply dying by medication. Here are some ways people have approached loved ones with their interest in PAS:

The first thing people begin doing is finding someone to confide in. A single person to begin with, actually. Most want to "gauge the reaction" of their most trusted person first before bringing it to anyone else. This seems like a good idea; a best friend, a parent you're close with, maybe even someone random if you're that type of person. Beginning with someone who you are comfortable confiding in can offer more confidence moving forward.

For some, this is also an opportunity to relay their thoughts and further consider the options. It's a big decision, and family or chosen family comments have weight to consider.

The next step people talk about taking is looking for resources. Again, many are taking from suicidal-watch websites, because there is yet to be a designated forum dedicated to social FAQ for PAS. Resources in this case would be doctor's who support the movement, and also searching up the guidelines for eligibility, which are discussed in a previous post. Essentially, there are strict principles that must be met that include health, age, and location, location, location.

Then comes more discussion. Most support cited from reddit users comes from friends, whether the poster is someone who is considering the practice or they stood by someone who went through it. Of course, filling the medication doesn't mean taking it is mandatory. Much conversation follows this. However, most conversation involves the patient really talking it through with themselves.

This is ultimately happening by the hands of one person alone, so the most talking and consideration must be done with one's self.