As most of you probably already know, I have been battling major depressive disorder for the majority of my life. I first voiced ideas of suicide at only nine years old.

After years of trying different anti-depressants, anxiolytics, and therapy, I still struggle daily. A little while ago I came upon a treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS for short. It has shown to be extremely helpful for patients like myself with treatment resistant depression. Unfortunately, despite being approved by Health Canada in 2002 and the FDA in 2008, TMS is still considered a psychotherapy and is therefore not covered by MSP. Additionally, the nearest TMS clinic is in Vancouver. I'm hoping to undergo a week-long intensive accelerated treatment plan in early June, but even with a good extended benefits plan, I am still having to pay $1620.78 out of pocket.

I hate burdening others and requesting money, but between school, rent, and living expenses, this cost is too much for me to handle. I desperately want to get TMS treatment as my depression needs to become more under control, but without some financial support that will not be possible.