New here and looking for advice on ECT

[Iwanttobenormal]

Hello.

New here and hoping to find information to help me make the right choice.

I was diagnosed with depression 20 years ago but its not till you look back over your life and realise that you have been living with it all your life. I finally understood why I had been feeling like I felt for so long. Fortunately I responded well to medication and have been able to control it from overtaking my life.

Until 2 years ago when I slid into a major episode I have not been able to control despite trying a range of new medication, and has overwhelmed me to the point that I am barely functioning.

Now my psychiatrist wants to try ECT. Immediately I went into shock that this treatment seems the only option left; I was hoping meds would kick in, and wasn't aware that ECT is still being used as a treatment. Regardless the process has begun for me to have ECT.

So I am hoping to find people who have had ECT treatment and are willing to share with me their ECT journey. My psychiatrist has provided me with some information, but I would like to hear from those who have been through it. At this stage it seems my only option.

[On The Road]

Hi, Iwanttobenormal

Welcome to the forum, I hope you would find people here who have had ECT treatment that can share their experience with you. You have been a longtime fighter, kudos to you.

I'm sorry that ECT has been perceived negatively by the public, but it is believed to be a safe and effective method for some ppl. Hope you can share more with ppl having similar experiences that could reduce your stress.

[geoff]

Hello Iwanttobenormal, I'm proud of you for asking this question as it has before, but still poses concerns for people.

I was close to having it myself many years ago but eventually decided against it as I'm an epileptic and was uncertain about it causes seizures, however I do know someone who has had many ECTs as treatment, as well as trialling different medications.

I'm not a doctor to verify this, only by what I have been told.

They were given a short anaesthetic so that they wouldn't feel or remember the treatment and then starting another AD they were beginning to feel better.

It's entirely your decision whether or not you want to try it, but know that they needed several ECTs before it started to affect them.

Take care.

Geoff.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Iwanttobenormal,

I don't have experience with ECT personally, but I'm going to link to a thread of people's experiences-

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/treatments-health-professionals-and-therapies/ect-treatment

Hope this helps,

rt