Help Me Rebuild After a Mental Health Crisis

HELLO -- PLEASE DISREGARD THIS REQUEST AS I MAY BE HEADED BACK TO THE HOSPITAL. I WILL RETURN THE DONATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN OFFERED. SORRY ABOUT THE CONFUSION AND INCONVENIENCE.

Hello friends,

I'm reaching out for support as I work to recover from a difficult chapter in my life — one that took a serious toll on my body, mind, and spirit. I recently spent 14 weeks in a behavioral health hospital after experiencing a deep mental health crisis. At my lowest, I was sleeping only 1–4 hours a night, and eventually I found myself in a place where I didn’t want to be alive anymore.

Thanks to the love and encouragement of family and friends, I checked myself into a hospital — a challenging but life-saving decision. The experience was intense and transformative, and while I’m grateful to be here, it left me depleted. I lost 30 pounds, most of my physical stamina, and a lot of ground in my day-to-day functioning.

I’m now home and slowly rebuilding, focusing on rest, healing, and reconnecting with the things that bring me joy: writing about food and making art.

Why I’m Fundraising

There are several things I need that aren't covered by insurance but would greatly accelerate my healing process:

• Initial Electrodermal Screening Treatment – $400

This is a two-hour session with a chiropractor who uses a scanner to read energy along acupuncture meridians. It's a holistic treatment aimed at rebalancing the body, especially after extreme stress and pharmaceutical side effects.

• Follow-Up Appointment – $250

Scheduled in about 6–8 weeks, this second session will help continue the healing work started in the first. I want to make sure I can access it when the time comes.

• Supplements and Natural Medicines – $150–$300

These are part of the treatment protocol, designed to support the body in a gentle, non-invasive way.

• Travel Costs – $100

The clinic is about two hours away from where I live. This covers gas, tolls, and a bit of flexibility for two round-trips.

• A Gift of Gratitude to a Healer – $400

A deeply generous healer has been working with me pro bono for half a year. I’d love to thank him with a symbolic payment for his care and commitment.

Total Goal: $1,300 – $1,450

This amount will help me access treatment, cover basic costs, and express gratitude to those who’ve helped me along the way. It also gives me a little breathing room for unforeseen needs as I regain strength.

What You’ll Receive

As a thank-you:

• All donors will get a copy of my Playful & Boundary-Pushing Salad Dressing ebook.

• For larger donations, I’ll make and send you a handmade mobile — simple but wildly elegant (see photos below).

Why This Matters

Some people around me see decline, others envision full recovery. Honestly, some days I feel both. But I want to be here. I want to rejoin life — not just as a survivor, but as a creator and contributor.

This campaign isn’t just about funding treatment — it’s about giving myself a chance to fully return to the world with strength, joy, and creativity.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for any support you can offer — financial or otherwise. Your help means the world to me.

With love and gratitude,

Antanas