Sophia needs your help!

Our 15-year-old daughter, Sophia has battled intrusive OCD, anxiety and depression for many years. We have tried countless therapies, medications and a team of doctors working with her since she was 4 years old to get her help.  Despite these interventions, last week Sophia asked for more help. She had cut her wrist and was having uncontrolled suicidal thoughts. She was placed on a pediatric psychiatric unit. Over the past year and half Sophia has regularly experienced these negative, intrusive thoughts. We have had to hide razors, knives and other sharp objects to try to keep her safe. We have seen her depression and anxiety increase to the point where many activities she loves no longer bring her joy, and her ability to focus on school work has decreased. Despite the fact all of this is happening she puts on a brave face for the world. But all the while her mind is constantly swirling with terrifying thoughts and what if’s. Lately, Sophia has many times been confused as to what are real thoughts and what are OCD thoughts leading her to contemplate her suicidal thoughts might be real. Sophia has described to us that dealing with her mental health issues, “Is like you’re trapped in your own brain and can’t get out.” As her parents we are devastated and heartbroken that our baby is suffering so badly. We need to get her more intense help immediately! She has an opportunity to begin a partial hospitalization program at Rogers Behavioral Health in Tampa, Florida. The program is 5 days a week for 6 hours each day for 4-6 weeks. This will be followed by an intensive step-down program that is 5 days a week for 3 hours a day for 6-8 weeks. Our insurance will pay a portion of the cost, but we will need to cover between $15,000-$20,000, and it could be upwards. Depending on suggestions by the doctors at the week 4 marker, we may be facing additional costs. We have always been able to provide for Sophia, but now we have no control and are running out of time. Please help us give Sophia a chance to receive the help she deserves and desperately needs. 

Rogers Behavioral Health 
International OCD Foundation 
National Anxiety Foundation 
National Alliance on Mental Illness 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline