Khaberni - Canadian actress Claire Brouso, age 48, decided to end her life through the Medical Assistance in Dying program in Canada, after more than three decades of battling multiple mental disorders.
The onset of suffering in adolescence
Claire Brouso was diagnosed with manic depression at the age of 14, following a period of excessive drug and alcohol use.
She was later diagnosed with anxiety, chronic suicidal thoughts, eating and personality disorders, drug addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The actress attempted suicide countless times, and was treated by psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors across North America, according to an open letter she published on her online platform.
A promising artistic career despite the inner struggle
Claire Brouso was a top student at her high school in Montreal, participated in several plays, graduated at the age of 16 and attended a prestigious drama college in Quebec for two years.
She then moved to New York and continued her studies at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, obtained regular roles in musicals and films, and earned a good income.
Professional successes did not stop the psychological decline
Claire Brouso appeared on “Entertainment Tonight Canada” and "Stroumboulopoulos Radio Show," took on supporting roles with actors James Franco and Daniel Stern, signed a contract with a chain of comedy clubs, and acted in commercials in Los Angeles.
Despite earning a lot of money and securing her dream role in a European film, Brouso confirmed that her mental state continued to hinder her success.
In press statements reported by “Daily Mail”, she said she enjoyed filming during the day but would return to her hotel at night to cry, scream, tear her clothes, and contemplate suicide.
A final attempt at treatment and the ultimate decision
Claire Brouso committed to turning her life around after falling and hitting her face on the pavement at the Canadian Screen Awards in 2016, where she was drunk and under the influence of drugs.
She maintained her sobriety, underwent intensive treatment, and began a series of psychological therapies and medications for depression, psychosis, and anxiety.
Brouso remained in a state of "calm" for several years, but attempted suicide again in 2021 when her career hit a low point, revealing that she ate peanuts despite her severe allergy to them hoping to trigger a fatal reaction.
Legal battle for the right to die
Recently, Brouso filed a request for medical assistance in dying in 2021, but the Canadian program currently does not permit this solely for patients with mental illnesses. The lifting of this exception has been postponed twice, and the law will not change until 2027.
The actress filed a lawsuit against the Canadian government at the Supreme Court of Ontario, demanding "the same rights as others suffering from incurable diseases to choose when and how I die," claiming that the current law is discriminatory.
The lawsuit sparked a heated debate about assisted suicide, even dividing Brouso’s psychiatrists. While Dr. Gail Robinson supports her decision, Dr. Mark Fefergrad believes that she is capable of improvement and that euthanasia is not her only option.
