Help Tommy Access Life-Changing Depression Treatment

Hello! My name is Tommy. I'm a 25 year old FTM trans man, and I'll be honest... I really need help.

I've been struggling with severe depression for well over a decade now, starting back from the age of 11. Maybe earlier. It is incredibly treatment resistant - so much so that a psychiatrist I've had in the past said it is the most treatment resistant depression she's ever dealt with. I've been on many different kinds of medications and been through many different therapists. I've tried almost every SNRI, anti-psychotic, mood stabilizer, and I've been on far too many SSRI's to count. Some of these meds work temporarily, but the dose keeps needing to be upped until there's nowhere higher to go. I just... stop responding to the meds.

I've been in and out of psych wards since I was 14 for suicidal thoughts and actions. While I've gone voluntarily since I was an adult and was able to, it doesn't change the fact that I was driven to the point of no return where it was my only option. I'm very aware of my feelings, but that doesn't change the fact that I can't control them.

I'm really tired. I want to get better before I give up.

That's where Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation comes in!

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of major depression, especially in cases where other treatments have been unsuccessful. It is FDA approved, has little side effects, and a lot of people sing its praises for how it's helped them. I've been looking to it since I was 16.

But my Medicaid plan doesn't cover it.

And I'm on a fixed income (SSI).

There's no way I can afford this on my own. I don't have much family left, and the ones I do are in no position to help me financially. I desperately want to try this procedure, but between the costs of treatment and the travel expenses, I don't know how else I can accoplish it without your help.

During my initial consultation I was quoted $7268 for my procedures. I rounded up to $8000 in hopes that it would additionally cover my travel expenses, as I don't drive and don't have anyone who can drive me. I'm not sure what my options for monthly payments are yet, but I have bills to pay. I have a dog to take care of. I have my brother and mother to take care of. I have ME to take care of. I can't tack on an additional cost to my monthly expenses, especially one of this potential caliber. I'm already so overwhelmed with everything on my plate, especially with my depression weighing me down and making it nearly impossible to get out of bed.

I want to get better.

I want to live a life that I think is worth living in the first place.

I want to be happy.

I want to like my hobbies again.

I want to smile and mean it.

I hope you consider helping me. Any little bit counts.

Thank you.