Queer, Disabled Healthcare And Rent Fund for Lexi

My name is Lexi and I am a disabled, white, queer human who has been living paycheck to paycheck my entire adult life. I am a child molestation/sexual assault survivor and have lived in poverty my whole life. I am diagnosed with C-PTSD, anxiety, and depression and have worked very hard in weekly therapy and multiple intensive outpatient programs to heal from this trauma for nearly a decade.

The symptoms from my C-PTSD have become more intense and increasingly difficult to manage. As a result, I am unable to sustain full-time work. These symptoms include extreme fatigue, depression, anxiety, decreased appetite, insomnia, concentration/memory problems, attention difficulties, and difficulty regulating my emotions. Unable to work at my former capacity, I am struggling to support myself in all aspects of my life. Due to my disability, I have had to decrease my hours and type of/intensity of work, resulting in a significant pay cut.

Since 2016, I have tried several therapists and had minimal success until my current provider. I was introduced to my therapist at the beginning of the pandemic and have been with her since. This provider is the best therapist I have ever worked with, and I have made incredible progress with her. Continuing therapy on a weekly basis with the same provider is absolutely vital to my well-being, but I am already struggling to pay for housing and my other bills. I feel forced to choose between a place to live and my health.

Growing up, I never knew what financial security was, and I experienced not having utilities or a stable place to live. I had no help paying for my college tuition and had to personally pay off the dental debt that I accrued while I was a minor dependent on my parent's insurance. I have also had several minor emergencies crop up, ultimately leaving me reliant on credit cards for survival. I had started making significant progress on paying off my debt when my worsening mental and dental health put me in a position where I am unable to pay my rent, grocery, therapy, student loans, and credit card bills.

I began working on getting this fundraiser started because I was at the point where I needed to go on medical leave to take care of my mental health. On medical leave, I would only receive 60% of my salary; as I was already struggling financially, it would’ve been near impossible to continue paying for the therapy I desperately needed and the urgent dental work I required. I have since left my former position due to my disability, C-PTSD and am only making about a third of my previous salary.

I have always struggled with accepting help, but I need help now, and I don't have any other options. Any amount is greatly appreciated if you can help support me as I struggle to prioritize my mental health while living under capitalism. Money from this fundraiser will go toward my rent, therapy, and dental bills. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.