As many of you know I suffer from clinical depression. I have tried many treatments — from SSRI medications to electro-shock which all have terrible side-effects.  None of my past treatments have provided me relief.

After doing research, I found that there is extensive research and treatment being done now with the drug ketamine.  For many sufferers, like me, it is the only effective treatment for recurrent major depression.  There are many articles outlining its positive effects (e.g. http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/03/20/520169959/ketamine-for-severe-depression-how-do-you-not-offer-this-drug-to-people )

"How effective can ketamine be? It has been shown to relieve the kind of depression that no other drugs can affect. It's lifted even suicidal depression in just hours. With studies into ketamine going on for over a decade, a recent statement from the American Psychiatric Association says there is “compelling evidence” that it works…"

After a recent crisis I have decided to try Ketamine Infusion Therapy. I had a very good experience with my first treatment, and I am feeling hopeful that this therapy will finally turn things around for me. Currently Ketamine is not covered by insurance as a treatment for depression. This means that nothing will be covered by insurance and all expenses are entirely out-of-pocket. 

I am traveling from San Jose to Modesto, CA where the treatment is offered. This is additional expense. As a new graduate student with no income this will be a challenge for me. My goal here is to raise $9,000 to cover 12 months’ worth of treatments. Anything raised beyond that target will go toward the ongoing maintenance treatments. Please share and spread the word and let’s see if we can exceed the target goal.

My sincere thanks for anything you can do to help me finally overcome this debilitating disease which has plagued me for too long.