Teen Dies After Reading Own Mental Health Records

A 17-year-old student tragically died by suicide shortly after receiving and reviewing her mental health records. Maya Cassady, who had dreams of studying European law, sought her medical information through Vancouver Coastal Health. Her mother believes accessing these records, which detailed diagnoses like dysthymia and considered bipolar disorder, was the ultimate trigger for her daughter's death.

Maya reportedly spent hours researching her conditions online, including questions about whether persistent depressive disorder was lifelong. Her internet searches concluded that her symptoms were "untreatable," leading to a loss of hope. Her mother was unaware of the full extent of her daughter's diagnoses, including the consideration of bipolar disorder.

In the wake of her daughter's death, Maya's mother has established a mental health wellness fund and is advocating for teens to meet with medical professionals after receiving their records. This aims to provide support, explain prognoses, and clarify terminology, ensuring minors are not overwhelmed by potentially harmful information.