Camille’s Bipolar Disorder Treatment Fund

Hi everyone. For years, I've been funding my own treatment: medication, therapy, and assays. However, recent circumstances pushed me to use my treatment funds to help my little sister finish her last semester in college and take her board exams this month. I knew it was a huge risk given I get suicidal thoughts during peak episodes when not on maintenance meds, but it was the best choice back then (At that time, I was already waiting for my separation pay so I thought my funds would be replenished asap). Seeing my sister inch closer to her dreams really mean the world to me. She is now a licensed engineer currently looking for a job.

Creating a crowdfunding page was my last resort – I had initially sought financial help from friends while I waited for my backpay and transitioned to new jobs. Unfortunately, my previous employer still hasn't given my separation pay and my current salary as a barista isn't enough to cover my medical expenses; at the same time, projects as a freelance writer are hard to come by.

Relative to the salary received by average Filipinos like me, treatments for mental illness can be very costly. For perspective, I only earn PHP 8,000 (USD 160) monthly as a barista which is just enough for my basic needs. My maintenance medication and psychiatric therapy require me to shell out an additional PHP 7,000 (USD 140) monthly.

I was initially reluctant to do this, but I am now starting this fundraising campaign in hopes for your kindness – a cry for help, my small step to end the stigma. I haven't received treatment for the past two months and I am becoming aware that my thoughts and emotions are becoming extremely uncontrollable. I plan to save PHP 15,000 (USD 300) before mid-December 2017 so I can proceed with my lithium assay and continue psychotherapy.

Anyone's help and support is greatly appreciated! Even just $1 can help cover my prescribed medication for half a day. At this point, my only is wish self-preservation – to make it through 2017 alive and well. Thank you so much!