Leo's Mental Health Fund

Hi friends!!

My name is Leo, and for most of my life, I have struggled with depression and anxiety. I know, I know... who hasn't? Unfortunately, it turns out my depression and anxiety is pretty severe, and treatment resistant. Name any SSRI or SNRI and I can almost guarantee I've tried it. Some have caused nausea, others numb me out, and some make everything worse. At one point, I was even hospitalized for 11 days at an in-patient facility. I can't keep rolling the dice on pharmaceuticals hoping one might make me feel like myself again. Especially now, since I've returned to the medical field and in-person work, I can't keep hiding in my apartment until I feel like I can interact with humans again. If you know me, you know I love being out experiencing life, meeting new people, and trying new things. I'm an extrovert. Not to be too much of a bummer, but I used to know what happiness felt like... and it's not this.

But! Light at the end of the tunnel! I finally found a psychiatrist who offers IV Ketamine treatments for people who have experiences similar to mine. Unfortunately, since they're technically "off label" for the FDA approved use, insurance will not cover it, even if I submitted for reimbursement. Here's the breakdown of the expected plan and cost:

6 IV treatments over the course of 2-3 weeks: $2,250.

This breaks down to $375/treatment, then the following treatments are $350 each. According to my psychiatrist, people come in for maintenance after those first few weeks, so it could be once a month, twice a month, etc. Whatever feels right for the individual. I'm factoring in 4 more visits after that at an additional $1400. There will be more after that, I'm sure, but this will give me time to hopefully save up (or find a sugar parent lmao).

Grand total is $3650 + $200 for GFM fees which equals $3850.

Unfortunately, my current day job doesn't pay me the best, so I have turned to you, dear internet friends, to see if you could spare a few bucks or a share or two and get the word out. I'm doing everything I can to scrounge up what I can, but unfortunately rent and bills come first before mental health in this country. I just want to be the best version of myself again, so I thank you so much for reading, sharing, donating... whatever you're able to do just know I freaking appreciate the crap out of each and every one of you.

<3 Leo (and the cats, Garbage and Jiblets)