MAID and Mental Illness: Can Courage and Caution Coexist?

This episode of Change My Mind with Lynda Steele explores one of the most current and complex questions in Canadian healthcare: should Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) be available when a psychiatric disorder is the sole underlying condition?Rather than debating whether MAID and mental illness belong together, this conversation with Claire Brosseau — a writer, actor and advocate living in palliative psychiatric care — focuses on what it means to hold both autonomy and caution, as well as the lived reality of psychiatric suffering.Grounded in honesty, and shaped by Claire's willingness to speak openly, the conversation also explores questions around courage, caution and whether the two can coexist. Not as a debate, but as a dialogue. No winners. No noise. Just talking it through.CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), self-harm and suicidal ideation. The views expressed are those of the guest and this content is not medical, legal or mental health advice. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please seek support from local emergency services or a qualified medical professional.