Andrew's Struggle With Mental Health- Please Help

Compassion and grace. These are the best words to describe Sarah and Andrew Shelton. Over the last five years, I have had the unexpected but wonderful privilege of getting to know the Sheltons and their two amazing children. At their core, Sarah and Andrew Shelton are public servants. Sarah is a kindergarten teacher at Gilchrist Elementary, and Andrew works for the State of Florida. They chose these professions because they wanted to give back to the community that gave them so much. I have always been impressed by the Sheltons and their tenacity in serving others. However, I recently learned that the Sheltons are experiencing a tremendously difficult time in their lives, and I am asking the community to help support this amazing family that has given so much to those around them.

Andrew has been struggling with mental health and depression for several years. Until recently, he was able to manage his depressive disorder with counseling and medication. For many years, the medication and counseling were enough to help Andrew manage the most difficult days, but the medication is no longer effective, and his family is desperately trying to find an alternative treatment that will give him his life back.

Andrew is trying his best, and has started a new treatment called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. This treatment uses a magnetic field that targets the areas of the brain associated with depression, and has yielded very promising results. Andrew has completed several of these treatments, however they are very expensive, and he has 22 more sessions before the treatment is complete. While the Sheltons already feel tremendously supported by their friends, family, and church, they need more.

Sarah and Andrew have the biggest hearts I have ever encountered, and I have encountered many wonderful and amazing people. They are brave, and humble, and have always advocated for understanding and treatment related to mental health and depression. They have shared their struggles courageously, and have encouraged others to speak openly about their own experiences free from the judgment and shame that comes with battling mental health issues. The Sheltons are amazing people, who have always been there for everybody who needed them. And now, they need us.

I am asking for your help, to help support these amazing people during one of the most challenging parts of their life together. Mental health issues can have a tremendous impact on a family, and we have an opportunity to help manage this one. If any part of their story resonates with you, please contribute. If you have struggled with mental health issues, please contribute. If the Sheltons have made your life better, like they have made my life better, please contribute.