How do I tell my family I want to quit treatment just so I can die?

Posted by oodlesofeep @oodlesofeep, Dec 30, 2025

I have major depressive disorder and I’m ready to go. I got MS in my early twenties, it’s been 10 years. Granted, treatment is going well. But I really don’t want to continue treatment anymore. I’ve been told by my doctors that, without any treatment, I’ll have 5 years to live—maybe—but that’s what I want. I want to be done. I can’t figure out how to explain to my family that I’m stopping my treatment and accepting death when, really, treatment is working for me. I’ll admit, depression plays a huge part in it but that’s also a disease I want to be done with. I see passing from MS as a more acceptable way to go for my family than just offing myself behind their backs. But, since treatment is working, I feel like a huge POS to be even thinking about this. I’m tried of doctors, I’m tired of tests, I’m tired of infusions and I’m tired period. Any advice? Is this a more acceptable suicide?
(Please, don’t comment on here trying to change my mind. I will ignore you.)

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@top1sgt, you're quite right that no one can tell another person what they should do or that you have to fight. Everyone has their own story and right to make choices. @randallshields56's comment was not directed to you, but sharing his experiences and the choices he has made.

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I can understand dealing with major depression since I was about 12 now 52 diagnosed with MsS 2 years ago I fell off and quit going to any Drs infusions it been about ten months and now I truly am in pain that's incredible being not going to Drs and doing it without meds for ms I am going back to another neuro next week it just freaking hurts I get the feeling and I think if I tried to continue without pain meds or doctors I could possible do something drastic it's just exhausting I can understand and hope to hear how your journey goes

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