My name is Matthew Martin and I’ve been diagnosed with major depressive disorder for about a decade now. And recently, it’s been labeled as treatment resistant depression (TRD). Most of my friends only see the goofy, kind-hearted side of me. But the truth is, I’ve been suffering for quite a while now. Every aspect of my life, from eating and sleeping to relationships and jobs, is negatively affected by this disease.

I’ve tried everything. 7 years of ongoing therapy, 5 years of multiple different antidepressants, lifestyle changes, everything someone could do to try to improve their mental health, but nothing works, and my mental state only worsens as time goes on.

Even when life is alright, when I’ve had money and a wonderful relationship and the best friends a guy could ask for, my depression has kept me down. Between my family’s history of suicide and my own attempts, it’s gotten to what seems to be the point of no return.

Recently I’ve found treatments for my TRD in the form of Spravato, a ketamine therapy. It may be my last resort in being able to live a normal life, and to want to be alive. The only problem is, it’s expensive, beyond my capabilities to pay for all these treatments.

If you can donate anything, or share this to anyone, I would be grateful and one step closer to being able to be the joy in life again.