ECT

Hi @Birdofparadise8 , I haven't had ECT myself but will tag @Snowie , @Eve7 and @Bow .

Sorry to hear about your depression and SI...I hope they ease very soon...

Hi @NatureLover

Thank you for that. I’m just weighing up my options about what to do.

Hi @Birdofparadise8 , I hope you’re ok today.

Ive had a lot of ECT and it is not something I would hastily recommend. There are side effects, the main one being loss of memory which may not be something you want while studying at Uni.

I had it when I was barely able to function and it has probably saved my life.

Do lots of research before agreeing to it without knowing what you are signing up for if that makes sense..

It does work but it doesn’t always last

Hi @Eve7

Mmm, that's something I am worried about.

Maybe I just need an inpatient stay to reset after a lot of things have happened.

@Eve7 was your memory loss short term?

Like just a couple of days, or a conversation.

Hi @Birdofparadise8

Like @Eve7 I have had it numerous times and it has saved my life. It helped me when I was very depressed and my SI and SH was extremely high. I have had it as an inpatient before 3 times per week and then as an out patient once per week. The out patient was basically maintenance. I guess you could describe it as putting fuel in your car to keep it running.

It did affect my short term memory quite a bit, especially when I was having it 3 times per week. I was embarrassed by this at times. Luckily my husband was good about it. Sadly it didn't take away my long term memory nor my trauma.

I guess you have to weight up the cons and pros for yourself. I am also assuming that different people react to it differently and have different side effects.

My pdoc has actually suggested it again the last few appointments. I too am unsure if I want to go through it again.

This has been my experience. I suggest that you do some research on it and talk to your treating team about it. I hope this has helped.

Hi @Snowie

Thank you for that information.

I'll just have to wait and see what the doctors suggest. I'm not sure what else to do.

@Birdofparadise8 your welcome hon.

Talking to your doctors might be a really good step for you.

I also know that it is such a big decision to make.

I have said yes to it before but I have also said no at times.

Okay, thank you @Snowie

How are you?

It was mainly my short term memory @Birdofparadise8 and I couldn’t remember close friends’ names or birthdays. Sometimes I’d arrange to meet someone and then completely forget about it.

I didn’t forget any trauma which was disappointing.