Question by hopefulmaiden: If you suddenly became paralyzed, would you want to live or die?
Someone I know has a severe degenerative neurological disease. “Bob” says that he no longer wishes to remain alive and prays for death every night (he is a professed Christian). He has suffered many devastating losses–mobility, job, friends, cognitive function (memory, clear speech, confusion, etc.), sexual function, among other things. He is still a middle aged man and this disease probably will not kill him. He understands that he is depressed, but does not “believe” in therapy or counseling (“it’s all bullsh*t”). Every day is a formidable struggle for Bob–just getting out of bed and into the bathroom takes enormous energy and concentration–he states that “this is not living–this is hell.” Don’t spout platitudes or try to tell him to “have a better attitude.” He will rip your throat out! He believes that if anyone would spend 24 hours in his mind/body, they, too, would prefer death. What would you say to Bob?

Best answer:

Answer by Eagleflyer
Die. Overdose on morphine, something nice like that. My heart goes out to “Bob.”

Add your own answer in the comments!

 

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