ECT for depression

[Maddieb]

Hi,

Over the last 7 years I have tried several antidepressants, therapy, physiatrist, relaxation, healthy living but still struggling with depression.

I am not sure what to do to help my situation and it has been suggested to me that I try ETC.

ive read a lot about it and of course seems scary. Some doctors say there’s a lot more medications to try first and other say it’s a good idea.

im wanting to know if anyone here has tried it and what their experiences were.

thank you

[Ulysses]

I tried it eleven times. For me it did nothing but for others they felt it helped. If I could tell you anything about it I would say, find a good psychiatrist first. This is key

[geoff]

hi Maddieb, I asked my psychologist who was also a GP, that perhaps I should try it, so I went to the hospital, and as I had it booked in 2 psychiatrists came out and spoke to me, in the end I didn't have it.
I remember watching Jack Nicholson on the film 'who flew over the cuckoo's nest, that turned me off, watching what happens,
It's a big decision you have to make whether or not you have it. Geoff.

[Maddieb]

Hi,

thank you for the reply. I have a good phsyciatrist but I’m just over with the medications not working and wanting that something extra to help me along my journey.

Ive heard good things but have been very scared to try it myself.

Thank you for the insight.

[Maddieb]

Hi,

thank you for telling me your story. It helps to hear all sides.

it is scary and I still don’t know if I will do it or not but it’s now becoming an option.

[Ulysses]

ITs nothjng to be scared of. They sedate you andqhen I used to work in healthcare I saw others go through it. Very little appears to occur

[Sophie_M]

Hi Maddieb,

You might find it helpful to browse through our other threads on ECT to read up on members' experiences:

ECT treatment

Tired of being depressed now - looking at ECT?

ECT - my experience

My wife has just had ECT - what is the recovery time?

Updated: impending ECT treatment

[Ulysses]

Sorry I was more talking about what it looks like and feels like and not about side effects. I shouldn’t have placed my comment the way I did. Apologies

[Sally65]

Hi Maddieb, personally, I have found ECT to be very effective and during several episodes of severe depression, life saving. For me, the minor side effects (initial memory loss and slight headache) were nothing compared to the benefits gained.

Regards, Sally.