I almost died by suicide fifteen years ago while battling depression. If the expansion of MAID coming into force in 2027 were in place then, I'd likely be dead right now. Today, I'm launching the #IGotBetter campaign to keep hope alive for people living with mental illness.

This campaign is in support of MP Tamara Jansen's private member's bill C-218, the Right to Recover Act. This bill will stop the expansion of MAID to people suffering only from mental illness. Join the campaign at

What a legend. Takes a strong, confident man to talk about this. Congrats on overcoming this & the massive impact you’re having on society.

I grew up in a violent home. My teen years were a battle with a mix of depression, rebellion, and suicidal thoughts - hidden behind the thin veil of a jokester. I survived to get help later. My healing journey has been life-long, in layers, and involved counseling at different periods to identify, unpack, and resolve trauma. I don't know what would have happened if MAID's absurdly low bar were around back then? I can say today there is hope. And help. Because of that help, I can say today #IGotBetter.

Oh fuck off Andrew. You used mental illness as an excuse to be a hateful bigot

Love your comeback story. Can be inspirational to a lot of people going through a rough time.

Thanks Andrew. There are many theories about why young males are so vulnerable to suicide and dark thoughts - but whatever the cause it is real as the ignored statistics show. So many years ago as a young Toronto Police officer I lost three friends in such a short time - and began to question my purpose and existence. One can go to some dark places. For me, one thing started me down a better path... - Attending a few sessions with a counsellor anonymously recommended by the Toronto Police Association... - But what really saved me was starting to read a New Testament given to me by a fellow copper. And then I clearly saw my purpose and my salvation. I am so grateful that my friend introduced me to Jesus.

I volunteered at a suicide hotline here in BC for almost 3 yrs, what I learned from helping others in their desperation was that nobody wanted to actually die, they all wanted the pain to stop.

Maid is just another De-Population tool to Cull Mentally ill out of populations, most of time Maid isn't agreed to and people are dead. Watch them include Hand-capped next. If you're in a wheel chair you're imperfect. You have to die, they say

Very grateful you are here with us my friend. 💕

Amazing message.

Thank you for sharing this personal info. Keep bringing this into the public light.

You assume you would have qualified which is not necessarily the case. Fuck, you are an asshole. Seems you may not understand what serious chronic and progressive mental illness really is - how it manifests and what it is like to live with it. JFC - mind your own business. Wanna help? Advocate for more financial resources for healthcare and other financial supports for those who need it.

I’m sure the “tolerant left” brimming with compassion and a “holier than thou” attitude will have some nasty things to add to this post.

Kudos Andrew. You have my support.

That is misleading and exploiting your own mental illness for petty partisan cheap shots. Have you no shame?

To hope!🥂You are precious Andrew and I'm so glad you stuck with us. The world is a better place for having you in it and we are all enriched by your testimony.

Thank you 🙏 Andrew! Canadians deserve better healthcare than MAiD thrown in our faces each time the Liberal government overspends.

Was it depression due to the overwhelming guilt that comes with being a bigoted asshole? #cdnpoli #CanadaStrong 🇨🇦

Courage to tell your story is contagious 🖤

You’re an incredible human being. Thank you for sharing your story.

I rather let each person have the choice like you did, than take away one option that might be best for THEM. Removing the option to end the suffering might sound great to everyone but the person who wants their life to end on their own terms. I support their right to have a choice.

Behold! A slice of Andrew's condition. 👇 Glad you "got better", Andy. Although, from my point of view I'd say your ignorance is chronic & progressive - no cure. Now mind your own business and leave medical decisions between doctors and their patients.

“I got better” is offence as hell. For those who are treatment resistant or have ptsd, MDD or otherwise. It’s “I do the best I can today” “I use the tools” “Today was a good day” “I am healing” “I’m actively working hard on it” Making somebody who has suicidal ideation or long term mental illness com probable to somebody who’s experiencing a depressive episode similar to how most go through from time to time. It’s extremely insulting to those who are suffering from something people still don’t fully know how to address. Case in point, this post. It’s also incredibly insulting to the surviving family members of those who’ve lost their battle to suicide, and who would love to be able to say “wow, they got better” This is exactly why we need more complex discussions about everything that this bill represents and the realities the people targeted by MAID face.

🙏🏻We all fall down, bud🤝. Canucks get up..🍀👍🏻 This is an excellent initiative and I hope you do great work. I know a lot of folks with stories that could line up easily with yours 👋🏻... Keep your heart full of light and peace and slay fucing dragons, man 💪

What an incredible and much needed message. MAID is wrong. It is anti-human and under our current healthcare system it is ripe for abuse.

I’m glad you are here to deliver this message of hope,

You are a fat fucking criminal.. and a lying piece of shit snd ought to be ashamed of yourself for using people’s pain to further your agenda 😡

Thank you for sharing your story.

Past mental issues do not excuse you for being a total prick today.

What a crock. Not only are you wrongly assuming you would have qualified, you make the error most people make: You don't know what MAiD is. You're not better; you're still an uneducated Conservative spreading mistruths. It all comes from your ignorance.

#IGotBetter when I stopped letting the mental health industry define and treat my so called “mental illness” and took radical responsibility for my healing process from PTSD, Bipolar, Panic Disoder and Depression. The MH industry made me worse not better.

@AaronGunn I’m so proud of you Andrew!!!

Mr. Lawton, thank you for your courage and forthrightness for speaking out on this essential issue. Godspeed in your noble endeavor.

Thank you, for sharing such touching words. The reason they want to roll out MAID, is because the people who have the most traumatized lives, often are the ones with the biggest light, and the most goodness in their hearts. These poor souls have been targeted to keep them down. Because we are the biggest threat to their power structure. Anything you could do to stop MAID would be greatly appreciated. Thank you sir. Thank you for your service.

Love this, great work Andrew.