Help this mom fight treatment-resistant depression

Dear friends, family, and compassionate souls,

I'm reaching out to you today with a vulnerable plea for support of my close friend who is more like family, Amanda, in a battle that has consumed much of her life: treatment-resistant depression.

For years, she has wrestled with this relentless adversary, trying countless therapies, medications, and interventions to no avail. Despite her unwavering determination to conquer this horrible disorder, she finds herself at a crossroad, and desperately in need of resources beyond her means. After getting an opinion and then a second opinion, her last “hope” is to access the ‘Gold Standard’ of treatment-resistant depression, which is Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT). This therapy would require substantial copayments and four weeks out of work (while she is inpatient in a hospital) and time away from her children. That means four weeks with no income, as she is the head of her household and recently experienced significant cut backs at her job.

Depression has robbed Amanda of so much – her energy, her passion, and her ability to fully engage in life – but it hasn't taken away her resilience or her belief in the power of community.

Your kindness, generosity, and solidarity can be part of her “last ditch effort” to try to overcome this horrible disorder.

Thank you for considering supporting Amanda on this journey towards mental wellness. Your contribution, whether big or small, carries the weight of infinite gratitude and the promise of a better future.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Jacki Dowd