Hey. I'm Mercedes, a 30-year-old queer woman from Niagara, Canada fundraising to help me pay for my life-saving mental health & addictions treatment.

I've been struggling with my mental health since I was a child, and with alcohol since I was a teenager. Despite years of therapy and medication, I'm deeply struggling at this moment in time.

Due to a major trauma in March of 2025 (not going into specifics for legal reasons), my mental health conditions/addiction have worsened significantly (and I've developed PTSD).

In the last few months, I've had multiple hospitalizations for suicidal ideation and even one suicide attempt. Things have gotten dire. And when I do have relapses/lapses/when I drink alcohol, it gets chaotic (I recently had a fall down the stairs while drunk).

Things have gotten serious, and I need to get more support. My addictions doctor has recommended inpatient treatment, which I am in the process of getting referred to.

In the meantime, I have been trying to get referred to some OHIP-covered virtual rehab programs. The amount of bureaucratic hoops have been exhausting, especially for something struggling. So, I've taken the step of applying for, and signing up for, private virtual intensive outpatient treatment.

I have applied for a $4,000 CAD loan to help me pay for this crucial treatment, which can likely start my treatment this Monday.

+ My financial situation is not great, as I had to leave my job after my PTSD flared up last year, and ODSP (disability/social assistance, here in Ontario) is my main source of income. I do pick up some freelance work, but it's minimal.

Any amount, even $5, is greatly appreciated to help me repay my new medical loan over the next 5 years.

Thanks for reading. You're the best! ♡