I agree with you that we should be able to decide our own fate. The laws as to 'how' and 'why' seem silly at first glance. It's my life, why can't I decide to end it? I've always been awed by stories of tribes that, when an elder can no longer take care of his/herself, he says goodbye and walks off into the wilderness. It feels so poignant and powerful at the same time.

BUT that being said, there are too many people who would take their own lives way too soon, thinking that what they suffer from is incurable or intolerable. With many diseases, including those of the mind, there are ups and downs, times of being pain-free and times of pain; and although one might be symptomatic now, there will be times of clarity and release in the future.

I know that if I had gone ahead with my desires to end my life back when I was younger, I would have missed out on a ton of things that have brought me so much joy and peace. It makes me sad looking back on that time, remembering the hopelessness, and knowing now that there would be so much beyond that, just waiting for its time.