I think this is a uniquely western / American dilemma. I recently had an older relative decide to not proceed with treatment for stage four pancreatic cancer and my family’s response was almost of shame and aghast.

It’s still odd to me that my parents were almost offended when I signed forms that indicates I did not want to be on life support if I’m brain dead or forcibly resuscitated if I arrived at a hospital “dead”.

As someone who continues to fight depression, I don’t understand why others feel their opninions should have weight when it comes to someone else’s decision to live or not continue to live.