I know everyone is going through something right now. I know times are hard for a lot of people, and that makes this even harder to ask. But I genuinely need help.

A few months ago I was out of work and had no income coming in. I had to use my credit cards just to survive and pay my basic bills. Rent. Utilities. Groceries. Gas. Things I couldn’t just ignore. I thought I would be back on my feet quickly, but it hasn’t worked out that way.

I’ve applied to so many jobs. I’ve looked into debt relief and loans and every option I could think of. I’ve either been denied or found that it wouldn’t actually help my situation. My current job won’t give me more hours, and because of company numbers I may lose this job completely. I feel like I’ve been trying everything and still can’t get ahead.

On top of that, I had to pay for a surgery for my cat that couldn’t wait. It wasn’t optional. And shortly after that I was in a car accident and had to make payments to get my car repaired so I could keep driving to work and interviews. None of these were things I could plan for. They just happened at the worst possible time.

The financial stress has taken a huge toll on my mental health. This past year has been incredibly hard. Around Christmas I was in such a dark place that I tried to end my life. I’m not proud of that, but it’s the truth. I am trying to choose life. I am trying to fight the thoughts that tell me I’d be better off gone. I know that isn’t true, but sometimes it feels overwhelming.

I haven’t given up. I’m still applying. I’m still trying. I’m still here. But I can’t keep pretending I can handle this alone.

Anything helps. Even sharing this. The money will go toward catching up on bills, paying down the credit cards I used just to survive, covering the car repair payments and vet expenses, and helping me stay afloat while I keep searching for stable work.

If you’ve read this far, thank you. Truly. Even that means something to me.