In an exercise in creative writing, a 16 year old is asked to write a suicide note. His mother is mortified when she finds out. I agree. There are enough youth taking their own lives as it is.
Listen to the Australian radio chat on Mornings with Neil Mitchell at the link below
From caldronpool.com
Bioethicists have started preparing the way for the legalisation of child euthanasia in Canada, with one of the proposals advocating assisted suicide without parental approval.
Euthanasia in Canada is currently only available to capable patients aged 18 years or older, however the medical essay titled, Medically Assisted Dying in a Paediatric Hospital, published in the Oxford-based Journal of Medical Ethics, was written “with an eye to the near future when capable young people may gain access to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).”
In all other regards [than who initiates the euthanasia discussion], our working group has, at present, elected to conceptualise MAID as practically and ethically equivalent to other medical practices that result in the end of life. This theorisation of MAID is justified on the grounds that these practices share a common purpose of alleviating unendurable suffering and facilitate the patient dying on their own terms…and is reflective of our concern that the conceptualisation of MAID should not place additional burdens on the patient or function to limit the rights and freedoms to which patients are typically entitled.
The proposal goes on to state, if a child is mature enough to make decisions, doctors will not be required to inform parents or family members about the child’s decision to commit suicide.
If, however, a capable [child] patient explicitly indicates that they do not want their family members involved in their decision-making, although healthcare providers may encourage the patient to reconsider and involve their family, ultimately the wishes of capable patients with respect to confidentiality must be respected. If we regard MAID as practically and ethically equivalent to other medical decisions that result in the end of life, then confidentiality regarding MAID should be managed in this same way.
Can you imagine a child discussing euthanasia with a trigger-happy doctor but deciding not to include her parents because she knows they’d oppose it? Can you imagine her parents turning up to the hospital to see their daughter, only to find an empty bed?
The essay goes on to suggest protections for medical staff willing to provide assisted suicide for children. “We will not make public the names of the healthcare providers at The Hospital for Sick Children who have volunteered to provide MAID, nor will we disclose a full list of persons who comprised our working group.”
We will, however, as an institution, publicly discuss the provision of MAID in an effort to normalise this procedure and reduce social stigma for everyone involved. It is right and appropriate for this duty to fall to a well-resourced institution rather than rest on the shoulders of individual patients and providers.
When it comes to euthanasia, the slope is slippery indeed. Assisted suicide is always sold with temporary restrictions.
Also see: Netherlands, euthanasia and the very slippery slope.
If euthanasia is no longer restricted to adults, we have good reason to think someday it will no longer be restricted to the terminally ill. Rather, it will be extended to people with varying quality of life circumstances. How do we know this? Because it’s already happening in the Netherlands.
SOURCE
He points out that no psychiatrists sat on the guidelines panel. Yet, the IDSA recommends against testing for Lyme disease in adult patients with psychiatric illness.
Psychiatrist Robert Bransfield predicts the proposed IDSA guidelines could contribute to a “national and global epidemic of psychiatric illnesses, suicide, violence, substance abuse and developmental disabilities in children and adults.”
Dr. Bransfield is an internationally recognized expert on how Lyme disease affects the brain. He has just published a scathing critique of the proposed IDSA Lyme guidelines as they relate to psychiatric conditions.
In an open-access article entitled Proposed Lyme Disease Guidelines and Psychiatric Illnesses, in the medical journal Healthcare, he calls the guidelines “evidence-biased” instead of “evidence-based.”
He points out that no psychiatrists sat on the guidelines panel. Yet, the IDSA recommends against testing for Lyme disease in adult patients with psychiatric illness. Furthermore, the guidelines recommend against Lyme testing for children with developmental, behavioral, or psychiatric disorders.
READ MORE
https://www.lymedisease.org/ignoring-psychiatric-lyme/
(Natural News) There is no doubt that the intense stresses and pressures of modern life have left many people feeling depressed and unable to cope. While there are certainly people who have serious mental health issues and require therapy and other treatment to help them with their struggles, it is also true that antidepressant medications like Prozac and Zoloft are viewed almost as cure-alls in our society. More people than ever before are being prescribed these medications, often without being fully informed about their serious side effects and potential for long-term harm.
Now, a new study out of Canada has raised further red flags, after researchers found that people on antidepressants, who do not suffer from heart disease, are 33 percent more likely to die from any cause than those who are not taking such medications.
The meta-analysis, which was conducted by a team from McMaster University, located in Hamilton, Ontario, and published in the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, analyzed the results of 17 earlier studies which involved close to 380,000 participants, to determine the overall long-term effects of antidepressants on longevity.
At first, their findings were not too alarming; there appeared to only be about a nine percent increase in risk of death for those on so-called “happy pills” – an elevation which the researchers did not consider to be clinically significant.
However, knowing that antidepressants thin the blood, which could have a positive effect on the health of people with cardiovascular problems by preventing clotting, the researchers then removed the results of participants with heart conditions. That was when the startling fact emerged that long-term use of antidepressants elevated risk of death by 33 percent.
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Science Daily explains why the risk is likely elevated in this way:
It’s widely known that brain serotonin affects mood, and that most commonly used antidepressant treatment for depression blocks the absorption of serotonin by neurons. It is less widely known, though, that all the major organs of the body — the heart, kidneys, lungs, liver — use serotonin from the bloodstream.
Antidepressants block the absorption of serotonin in these organs as well, and the researchers warn that antidepressants could increase the risk of death by preventing multiple organs from functioning properly.
While a nine percent increase in risk might not be considered “clinically significant” – although many people would still view this as unacceptable – a 33 percent elevation in risk has these researchers seriously concerned.
“We are very concerned by these results,” said lead researcher Paul Andrews, as reported by the Daily Mail. “They suggest that we shouldn’t be taking antidepressant drugs without understanding precisely how they interact with the body. I do think these drugs for most people are doing more harm than good and that physicians ought not to generally prescribe them.”
As disturbing as this study’s findings are, they become even more shocking when one considers the fact that another study, published in the highly respected journal The Lancet, found that of the 14 most commonly prescribed antidepressants, only one – fluoxetine (Prozac) – worked better than a placebo.
In addition, one of the drugs – venlafaxine (Effexor) – was associated with an increase in suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Peter Gotzsche, the lead author of a study conducted by The Nordic Cochrane Centre, warned, “While it is now generally accepted antidepressants increase the risk of suicide and violence in children and adolescents, most people believe these drugs are not dangerous for adults. This is a potentially lethal misconception.” He added, “It is well documented that drug companies under-report seriously the harms of antidepressants related to suicide and violence, either by simply omitting them from reports, by calling them something else or by committing scientific misconduct.”
So, over 90 percent of antidepressants don’t work, they double your risk of suicide, and they increase your risk of an early death by 33 percent. It’s hard to imagine how doctors continue to justify handing them out like candy.
Sources include:
SOURCE:
Health Impact News
The VAXXED team recently interviewed a mother who tells about how her daughter took her own life after suffering from the Gardasil vaccine for several years.
A doctor in their church recommended the HPV vaccine to them. After receiving the second Gardasil vaccine at the age of 15, she became very lethargic and could hardly get out of bed, suffering from horrible headaches. They had to black out the light in her room because of the pain it caused, and she did not leave her bed for days.
Prior to the vaccine, she was healthy and active, and rarely missed a day of school.
The family had to hire a teacher to teach her sophomore year of high school since she could not leave her home.
After starting a very strict diet that an alternative health practitioner recommended, the family had some hope that she could recover.
But she battled depression, and it was learned from her journals after her death that she had a constant buzzing sound in her head. She had tried every anti-depressant drug on the market without success.
Listen to the whole tragic interview below.
SOURCE:
These are medicated times, especially for our young people. Children are the (not so) new target for big Pharma. Here a family lost their precious daughter. Be vigilant and watch what your kids are being prescribed or even if a prescription is necessary. Research the independent data, particularly the side effects of any proposed prescription. Parents are finding out the hard way on Gardasil with three deaths already here in NZ. Informed choice is paramount.
This story is from prepforthat.com
Mathy Downing’s 12-year-old, Candace, was a far cry from a problem child. Downing describes her as having been “compassionate” and athletic. Candace was a member of her school’s swim and lacrosse teams. But when her pediatrician recommended that the family place her under the care of a psychiatrist, life changed in terrible fashion for the family.
“She was never depressed,” said Andy Downing, her father. “She had anxieties from testing at school. Had a lot of friends. Played basketball on a team. And I just kept asking myself over and over again, ‘This doesn’t make sense.’ Twelve-year-old girls don’t hang themselves.”
READ MORE
https://prepforthat.com/antidepressant-suicide-side-effects-downing-family/
A Facebook page set up by users of this drug has reported 450 adverse reactions. Reading this article from RNZ they are predictably in firm denial in spite of the clear evidence that at least 200 people have reported bad side effects … still … “Medsafe is standing by its decision to approve the drug “… which further illustrates that you the consumer need to do your own independent research on these matters.
We posted an article some time back in which a Lilly ex executive whistle blower , a Medical Doctor, now deceased, told us that Doctors were told never to discuss side effects. See the article at the link for further shocking info on the disclosures made by this man about how little Big Pharma actually cares about you. Pharmaceutical companies he said, invest more than 35,000 Euro (over $50,000) per physician each year to get them to prescribe their products. In this case, the switch to the cheaper product is saving Pharmac $5.4 million pa. There you go. Profits over people.
The product in question here is Enlafax….
“Within two weeks of starting Enlafax I was having nightmares and feeling depressed, thoughts of self harm and suicide”
The article is from TVNZ.
“Concern is mounting over a recently funded antidepressant, with a growing number of patients reporting life-threatening side-effects.
Pharmac’s switch to funding Enlafax a year ago saves the drug buying agency $5.4 million a year.
It expected around 1 per cent of the 45,000 patients taking it could experience adverse reactions because of the brand switch. That’s about 450 people.
While complaints now stand at over 240 and climbing, support groups say the number of people suffering is far higher.
In a small Bay of Plenty town, one highly experienced GP, Dr Christine Williams, is grappling with the problem.
“I’ve seen people that had gambling addictions return to gambling and lose their jobs. I’ve seen marriages break down,” Dr Williams told 1 NEWS.
She says this patent behaviour is all linked to the generic antidepressant Enlafax.
“With this particular group of patients I don’t have any that are responding to it, not one.”
The symptoms of 12 patients are similar to those experienced hundreds of kilometres away by Amy in Marlborough.
“Within two weeks of starting Enlafax I was having nightmares and feeling depressed, thoughts of self harm and suicide,” Amy said.
Medsafe is standing by its decision to approve the drug which saw Effexor-XR replaced with the cheaper generic brand Enlafax.
It says the brand switch complies with international best practice and that tests show Enlafax has the same benefits and risks as Effexor-XR.
“They don’t switch to a generic without adequate research and investigation,” Dr Jan White of the NZMA GP Council said.
Dr White says she has seen no problems from Enlafax at her busy city practice.
But complaints about Enlafax are piling up. The agency monitoring adverse reactions to drugs has now received more than 240 complaints, many identifying side-effects like severe depression and suicidal thoughts.
And a Facebook page set up by patients with adverse reactions claims to have logged 450 negative responses to Enlafax.
They’re experiences like those of Amy who says her GP wanted to increase her dose when she became unwell.
The mother of two only learnt about negative side-effects in a 1 NEWS report three weeks ago.
“I’m not sure if I would be here right now if I had waited and stayed on it,” Amy said.
Dr Williams said: “I’m sure it’s the tip of the iceberg.”
And with the prospect of more vulnerable lives unravelling, Dr Williams says it’s vital the previous brand Effexor-XR remains available.
Where to get help:
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7)
Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz
What’s Up: online chat (7pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 children’s helpline (1pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-10pm weekends)
Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)
Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
PHOTO: tvnz screenshot
(Natural News) Will the American Medical Association soon be in favor of physician-assisted suicide? In early June, the AMA decided not to reaffirm its position against assisted suicide – a decision which has shocked many. But indeed, the AMA has gone against its own Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs, which recommended the AMA maintain its opposition of euthanasia for humans.
Advocates for assisted suicide have been very successful at opening doors for euthanasia in medicine. In some states, affiliate groups have already taken a more neutral stance on this issue, paving the way for legislators to approve the legalization of doctor-assisted suicide. While proponents of euthanasia say that their cause gives patients the right to a dignified death, the issue isn’t really that cut and dry. There are substantial concerns about the potential for abuse and coercion. Inevitably, this could give rise to an untold number of citizens quietly being put to death against their will – while no one will be the wiser.
Matt Vallière, the Executive Director of Patients Rights Action Fund, told Life News that he, and other advocates for patients’ rights, are very concerned about the AMA’s sudden change of heart.
“The American Medical Association’s decision to not confirm their own Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs’ recommendation – namely that they maintain their opposition to assisted suicide – does not take into account that this bad public policy puts vulnerable patients at high risk for coercion, mistakes and even abuse. Although the AMA’s opposition position still stands for now, a referral back to CEJA is a lost opportunity and a failure to stand against a policy that has grave consequences for everyone, but especially persons living with illness, disabilities, or socio-economic disadvantage. Assisted suicide is not medical care,” Vallière stated.
READ MORE
The latest Unicef report has us languishing at the bottom of the developed world in relation to the health and welfare our children and youth. This report was based on the data our government collects and concerningly, with regards to child poverty, a ranking wasn’t provided because of a refusal to follow standard practice (an admission of failure?). In many documented areas we are seriously neglecting our young people (ranking numbers are determined by the data provided from a maximum of 41 developed countries):
READ MORE
New Zealand is sitting on a half-a-trillion-dollar debt bomb and Kiwis are increasingly treating their houses like cash machines, piling on the debt as they watch the value of their properties soar.
Reserve Bank figures show household debt, excluding investment property, has risen 23 per cent in the past five years to $163.4 billion. Incomes have risen only 11.5 per cent.
Households are now carrying a debt level that is equivalent to 162 per cent of their annual disposable income – higher than the level reached before the global financial crisis.
READ MORE:
• Experts fear downside of debt
• NZ homes among most indebted
Including property investment the total debt households owed as of April was $232.9 billion, according to the Reserve Bank.
Satish Ranchhod, a senior economist at Westpac Bank, says the main driver has been low interest rates.
“Continued low interest rates have sparked a sharp increase in household borrowing at a time when income growth has been very modest.”
And it’s housing loans where the growth has mainly come from.
Housing loan debt has risen 23.4 per cent to $132.83 billion. Student loans were up 22.9 per cent to $14.84 billion and consumer loans are up 16.6 per cent to $15.7 billion.
READ MORE
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/personal-finance/news/article.cfm?c_id=12&objectid=11651648
