Actress, 48, plans to die by assisted suicide due to mental illness diagnosed at 14

An actress and comedian is fighting for her right to die via assisted suicide after decades of battling with her mental health.

Claire Brosseau, who has appeared in films alongside the likes of James Franco and Home Alone star Daniel Stern, has called upon Canada's courts to allow her to end her life.

The 48-year-old doesn't see herself ever overcoming the complex mental illnesses she has been diagnosed with and believes she should be allowed to put a stop to her internal pain.

She was diagnosed with manic depression when she was just 14 years old after turning to drink, drugs, sex and reckless behaviour during her adolescence.

Brosseau was then later also diagnosed with an eating disorder, anxiety disorder, personality disorder, substance abuse disorder and chronic suicidal ideation, among other mental health problems.

Despite trying various medications and treatments, having an army of beloved family and friends and a successful career, the screen star says nothing has worked - and she still wants to end her life.

Claire Brosseau says she should have the right 'to choose when and how she dies' (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Brosseau, who has attempted suicide numerous times, explained that psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors have all been unable to help her.

The actress applied for euthanasia under Canada‘s Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) program in 2021, which allows those with 'grievous and irremediable medical conditions' to end their life with the assistance of a doctor.

But people who are seeking assisted suicide for solely mental health-related reasons are not yet eligible for the program.

According to the Canadian government, the 'temporary exclusion of eligibility' for these applicants will remain in place until 17 March 2027.

Brosseau - who is single and childless - has now launched a lawsuit and filed a complaint with the Ontario Superior Court, claiming this is a violation of her rights.

She is one of several people who have teamed up with the charity Dying With Dignity Canada to argue that excluding people with mental illnesses from MAiD is discriminatory.

The organisation argues that 'excluding people whose sole underlying condition is a mental illness from assisted dying legislation is a breach of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms'.

Speaking to the New York Times, Brosseau revealed that despite bagging dozens of impressive film roles - including her 'dream part' in a European flick - her mental health has continued to dictate her life.

"I had a great place to stay and I was doing well on the film and I was having fun on set, and every night I would go back to my hotel and I would bawl and scream and rip my clothes apart," she told the publication.

The actress has struggled with a series of complex mental health issues since she was a child (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

"And cry and just...I wanted to kill myself and I couldn't wait to get out of there. And then the next day at work, I'd be fine and I'd have so much fun."

Brosseau believes it is unjust to make her wait another two years while she battles her mental anguish every day, although her doctors are conflicted over whether euthanasia is the best course of action for her to take.

One of her psychiatrists, Dr Mark Fefergrad, said he 'believes she can get well', telling the New York Times: "I don’t think MAiD is the best or only choice for her."

On the other hand, fellow psychiatrist Dr Gail Robinson said that she will 'support' her patient - and also believes that the red tape surrounding MAiD is discriminatory.

"I would love her to change her mind,” Robinson said. "I would hope that she would not have to do this. But I will support her."

Brosseau revealed that she hosted a number of 'farewell dinners' after deciding to apply for the assisted suicide program, where she informed her friends and family of her intentions.

She argues that she should have the 'same rights as others with incurable illnesses to choose when and how I die', rather than being forced to wait until 2027.

"Every day I don’t know if I’ll get through the day," Brosseau said previously.

For advice, support, and more information, you can contact the nurse-led specialist team at Compassion in Dying via their helpline 0800 999 2434. You can also email them at [email protected].

Additionally, 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.