Living Wills and Advance Decisions

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Firstly, it goes without saying - I don't want anyone talking me out of this, this is my decision that I might make one day, and I'm not afraid of carrying it out. I don't blame or look down upon those who are afraid, not at all, it's just that should I ever do it, I want to be fully prepared.

I'm not sure if my situation is going to change anytime soon. My family does not realize their impact on me. I understand that one day I may well do something "stupid". It would not be half-hearted.

Regarding the topic, I want to make a living will so that in case I do try to commit suicide, that I'm not revived. I do not want to end up paralysed or in a similar terrible situation. I would rather if I survive, they just let me go, and as peacefully as possible.

I'm looking at living wills online, and I can't find anything regarding suicide specifically, only terminal illnesses.

Has anybody ever considered this, and if so, what did you find out? Thanks in advance.

No solicitor would authorise such a will, seeing as encouraging or assisting another person's suicide is still a criminal offence in this country under the Suicide Act of 1961:

www.legislation.com/gov.uk/ukpga/Eliz2/9-10/60

Of course it's not always necessary to use a solicitor when making a will, but anyone who agreed to act as signatory would also be potentially making themselves criminally liable if you were to die.

That still needn't stop you from drawing up a living will - but if anyone were to find you unconscious after a suicide attempt and leave you, this would probably lead to them being questioned by police about whether you were still alive when the person found you, and if it were proven in court that you were, the person who found you would be criminally liable for complicity in your suicide.

So in a nutshell, whilst there's nothing to stop you from making such a will, you'd be on very shaky legal ground in terms of having it enforced.

Also, have you sought out any treatment for the depression that's causing you to feel this way? Suicide should only be a last resort, surely?