My name is David, I’m 28 years old and I live in Prague. Five years ago, a doctor prescribed Lexapro for generalised anxiety disorder and panic attacks. He didn’t listen to me when I said I’d prefer cognitive behavioural therapy. He claimed the medication had no side effects. After just the first tablet, I felt terrified; I lost the ability to think or feel emotions, and everything seemed like a bad dream. My body began to break down; I developed akathisia, pain, memory loss, sexual dysfunction and orthostatic hypotension.

The doctor then put me on Trazodone, after which I lost my sense of smell and my nervous system literally collapsed. I found myself in a dire situation, having lost my job, my home and my family’s support. I had to work at a petrol station, sometimes doing 16-hour shifts, just to survive. I invested all my money in my studies and my own treatment. Unfortunately, the doctor mistakenly sent me for thyroid surgery because it had ‘unexpectedly’ grown. After years of research, I have helped many people recover from similar conditions, but I myself do not have the means to pay for my own treatment.

That is why I am asking for help

I currently weigh 48 kg, my veins are enormous, I have trouble walking, and I cannot afford the medication that could help me. My family no longer supports me and I have no other option. If you would like to help me, I would be immensely grateful. Every penny will help me to recover and return to a normal life. Thank you.