My personal journey with mental illness has been a long and torturous one. I struggle daily with the demons in my own mind. I'm one among the countless individuals worldwide affected deeply by their circumstances and overpowered by their thoughts to a point that they feel the need to step away despite the anguish it brings to their loved ones. This is my reality; my imminent battle with mental illness. And with immense sadness, I acknowledge that it is also a reality for many others.

Given the severity of our struggle, we are urging policy makers to consider an option that has the potential to alleviate the unimaginable pain some of us endure on a continuous basis. We need to mandate assisted suicide as a viable option for those suffering from mental health disorders and health conditions in every state.

Yes, it's a grim prospect. However, the World Health Organization reports that close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds. These statistics point to a stark reality that we can't afford to ignore. People are losing the battle to mental illness and stringent policies on the right to die needs reconsideration. It is humanity's responsibility to offer paths to end unendurable suffering when all other options have been exhausted.

By signing this petition, you become a beacon of change for people like me, supporting us in our intensely personal and painful struggle. Your signature can help instill compassion and understanding at policy levels to provide us the lawful right to lessen our pain in a dignified way when required. Please sign this petition for change. A change for us.