Help Ash Afford Mental Healthcare

Hey friends. I'm Abigail, Ash's good pal. I met her eight years ago in New York City at a Book Club -- I was immediately drawn to her searing intellect and even searing-er wit. I'm sure many of you can relate.

Since then, I've hosted parties with Ash. I've made a podcast with her. I've helped her move (and move again). I've dog-sat her pups. I stood next to her at her wedding. She stood next to me at mine. And I've cheered her on as a writer and artist in countless projects and endeavors that usually wind up benefitting us--her friends--as much or more as they benefit her.

I have also sat next to Ash and held her hand as she's cried. As she emptied herself over and over again trying to get through life as a person with treatment-resistant severe depression. I've seen her meditate, stretch, breathe, and exercise.I've watched her talk to psychiatrists, and therapists. Psychedelic guides. Friends. Strangers. I've been with her in desperate states--states I wish her experiences hadn't forced her into.

Maybe you've been with her in these places, too. I invite you to read her beautiful writing about these sorts of experiences on her substack -- Head Snakes.

Right now, Ash is struggling. She is very good at continuing to do the things she needs to do -- like feed her dogs and do her work and meet up with friends for birthdays. But as she continues to wake up overwhelmed by grief and anxiety, these tasks become harder. The expectations and responsibilities of everyday life get heavier. And she is asking for our help to bear them.

I am hosting this GoFundMe to help Ash raise money to pay for therapeutic treatment -- likely inpatient, but perhaps intensive outpatient. This kind of care can provide relief for folks whose depression is resistant to other kinds of treatment, like medications. Insurance sometimes covers this treatment, but even when it does, it often requires a patient to meet an out-of-pocket maximum.

I wish our society provided more support for people in Ash's position. More money, more accessible healthcare, more resources, more compassion. But that is not our reality. Our reality is one where friends and family must make the conscious choice to support those in our circles who are in need. I know that many of you may be struggling to fund pieces of your own lives -- medical debt, student debt, housing and other basic needs. Please give only if you can. If you can't there are many other ways to show up for Ash right now and in the future.

But if you can, I urge you to donate because I know how much it will mean to Ash. And I know how much she means to you. We both appreciate you sharing this with your networks of friends and supporters -- especially those with pockets deep enough to share. <3