Hi, my name is Leah, and I’m reaching out for help during one of the most difficult and confusing times in my life.

Recently, on 07/17/2025, I experienced a severe mental health crisis that led to a really scary night. I woke up in the middle of the night disoriented and not in my right mind. The next thing I remember, I was standing in my kitchen with blood everywhere and a knife in my hand. I never intended to end my life, but I was clearly not in control. It was a moment of complete mental break.

911 was called, and I was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. Once I regained awareness, I immediately started to call out for help. The doctors and policemen on my case did not allow this; they took away everything I brought with me after one phone call. After they took away all of my personal belongings, they cuffed me to the bed and placed me under a 72-hour hold. So there I sat, alone and afraid for approximately 7 hours. I needed 24 stitches in my left forearm. From there, I was transported in a police car to a psychiatric facility. On the way, I lost consciousness and all color in my face and lips, and had to be brought back to the ER, adding a second ambulance and hospital bill to everything else.

Since then, the doctors have expressed possible diagnoses surrounding a heart issue that’s causing me to faint unexpectedly—something that will require more follow-ups and testing to understand fully. I’ve also begun therapy and psychiatric treatment, and I'm starting medication to help me stabilize and recover. These appointments and prescriptions are ongoing and expensive without healthcare or insurance (another work in progress).

To make matters even worse, when I finally returned home, I discovered my car had been towed. I’ve recently moved back across the country from Florida and just started a new job, so money has been incredibly tight. I’ve missed quite a bit of work since this incident, and the bills are piling up fast—from emergency medical care, transportation, therapy, and follow-ups, to basic living costs, and now a hefty tow bill.

I’m not someone who’s ever felt comfortable asking for help like this, but I’m trying to survive—and in a way that allows me to heal. If you’re able to contribute anything at all, I would be incredibly grateful. Every dollar helps me keep my head above water while I work on getting the care and stability I need.

Thank you for reading and for supporting me through this. Whether you’re able to donate or just share this with others, it means more than I can say.