Trigger warning: This article contains discussion of eating disorders, depression and euthanasia which some readers may find distressing
The boyfriend of a 34-year-old woman who planned to die on her 34th birthday has issued a heartbreaking update.
Yesterday (25 April) was Dutch woman Jolanda Fun's 34th birthday, but it was also the day she had planned to end her life.
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Just a fortnight ago, Jolanda had explained to The Times that she was one of a number of people in the Netherlands who was seeking euthanasia due to psychiatric problems.
According to the publication, she has had an eating disorder, recurrent depression, autism and learning difficulties for much of her life.
She said: "Most of the time I just feel really s**tty. Sad, down, gloomy. People don’t see it, because that’s the mask I put on and that’s what you learn to do in life.
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"... My father is sick, my mother is sick, my parents are fighting to stay alive, and I want to step out of life."
Jolanda explained she had been struggling with mental health her whole life, adding: "Even when I was seven, I asked my mother whether, if I jumped from a viaduct, I would be dead. I’ve been struggling with this my whole life."
Last year, she wrote on her Facebook that she had been trying to find a mental health professional to help her with the euthanasia process.
And on her birthday yesterday, which was the planned day for her passing, her boyfriend Peter Silvius shared a heartbreaking update.
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He wrote (translated): "Sweet Jolanda. This is your day the day of your birthday and the day your wish comes true a day with two sides.
"Will miss you a lot as you start your final journey to a place where you will find your peace and have no more pain. Love you you always in my heart have a good last journey and see you later ××."
Jolanda responded in the comments: "Thnkx darling".
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It is not clear if her wishes were carried out.
Peter later shared a short quote on his page, which read: "I've never loved anyone like I love you. I cry over you.
"No matter what you do, I cannot fall out of love with you. I cannot bring myself to forget you. I've never missed anyone as much as I miss you. No one in this world means to me as much as you do."
It's not clear how long the couple have been together, but Peter updated his profile back in January to show their relationship status.
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The Netherlands is one of only three countries in Europe where assisted dying is legal - but there are some requirements that must be adhered to.
Dutch laws state that a person has to be mentally competent and have had a long-standing desire for euthanasia.
It is also a legal requirement that the person must have been informed of all other alternatives and that there can be no other reasonable solution.
Meanwhile, eligibility to end their life must be confirmed by an independent doctor.
According to figures, 138 people suffering with mental health illness were euthanised last year. This makes up 1.5 per cent of all cases in the Netherlands for 2023.
If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.
Topics: Mental Health, News, World News, Health
Lucy Devine