299: What if your only hope for life was choosing death?

Growing up with a controlling and mentally abusive mother, a woman suffers from a severe eating disorder that leaves her hopeless, until she discovers Medical Assistance in Dying, a program in Canada whereby people can receive assistance from a medical practitioner to voluntarily end their life.

Today’s episode featured Agata. If you’d like to reach out to her, you can email at amgawron@shaw.ca

Agata's story came to us by way of Todd Rennebohm. Agata was originally featured on Todd's podcast, Bunny Hugs and Mental health, which focuses on conversations with survivors, professionals and families of those who have lost someone to mental illness and addictions. So please check out Bunny Hugs and Mental Health, and a special thanks to Todd for referring today's guest.

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz

Content/Trigger Warnings: childhood medical trauma, sexual assault, parental abuse, severe eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, suicide attempt, discussion of suicide, death and dying, explicit language

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Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Cylinder Four” – Chris Zabriskie

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

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