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Your Pain Is Real — And Treatable

If depression has you considering MAID, read this first

Hopelessness is a symptom of depression, not the truth about your future. Most people improve with proper care. You deserve that chance before any irreversible choice.

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If you're hurting right now, you're in the right place

Maybe a doctor mentioned medically assisted dying (MAID). Maybe you feel like a burden, or that nothing will ever change. Those feelings are common with depression — and they can lie to you about your worth and your future.

We are not here to shame you. We are here because we believe you deserve real treatment, real support, and time to recover before any decision that cannot be undone.

STOP: Are You Considering MAID for Depression?

If depression has you thinking about medically assisted dying (MAID), please pause and read this. What you feel today is not the whole story — and you deserve care that fights for your life.

Depression is a treatable medical condition. Too many Canadians are being steered toward MAID when they still have treatment options that could help. That is not mercy — it is abandonment.

Over 13,000 Canadians died by MAID in 2022, and the numbers are growing. Including mental illness in MAID criteria puts people at their lowest point in permanent harm's way.

You deserve treatment, not death.

80-90% Treatment Success Rate

Most people with depression get better with proper treatment

Depression is Temporary

Chemical imbalances can be corrected. MAID is permanent.

You Haven't Tried Everything

Multiple treatments exist. Don't give up before trying them all.

The Truth About Depression

80-90%

of people with depression respond positively to treatment

1 in 5

Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime

100%

of people deserve help, support, and the chance to recover

What is Depression?

Depression is a medical condition, not a character flaw or weakness. It's a real illness that affects how you think, feel, and act.

When you're depressed, your brain chemistry changes. Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine become imbalanced. This isn't your fault—it's a biological condition that can be treated.

The good news? These chemical imbalances can be corrected. Your brain can heal. Treatment works.

Learn More About Depression

Common Symptoms

  • Persistent sadness or emptiness
  • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Changes in sleep patterns (too much or too little)
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Why Treatment Works

Depression is not a life sentence. It's a treatable condition. Here's what you need to know:

Brain Chemistry

Medications can restore neurotransmitter balance. Your brain chemistry can be corrected.

Therapy Works

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other therapies help rewire negative thought patterns.

Lifestyle Changes

Exercise, sleep, nutrition, and social connection all support recovery.

Neuroplasticity

Your brain can form new connections and pathways. Healing is possible.

2,400 Years of Medical Wisdom

"First, Do No Harm"

The Hippocratic tradition teaches that physicians should never give up on life while healing remains possible. For treatable conditions like depression, this principle is sacred.

80-90%

Treatment Success Rate

Depression is highly treatable

100%

Deserve Treatment First

Every person, every time

0

Times to Give Up Early

Never, while options remain

Our Commitment: We Never Give Up On Life

We believe in the timeless medical principle: exhaust all treatment options before accepting death. For depression—a treatable condition—offering MAID before trying everything violates this sacred duty.

Treatment first. Hope always. Life is precious.

Join us in standing for the principle that has guided medicine for millennia.

Depression Lies to You

When you're depressed, your brain tells you things that aren't true — including that MAID is a reasonable “solution.” It distorts your thinking about yourself, your future, and your worth.

What Depression Tells You:

  • "You're worthless"
  • "Things will never get better"
  • "Everyone would be better off without you"
  • "You're a burden"
  • "There's no point in trying"
  • "MAID is the only way out of this pain"
  • "My doctors have given up — so should I"

The Truth:

  • You have inherent worth and value
  • Depression is temporary and treatable
  • People care about you more than you know
  • You matter and your life matters
  • Treatment works and recovery is possible
  • MAID is permanent; depression is treatable
  • You can ask for better care — second opinions save lives

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

You do not have to face depression — or pressure toward MAID — alone.

Treatment works for most people. If you have not found the right care yet, we can help you take the next step.