How it’s helped me
I just had my third ECT session and I can really feel the difference already. I’m having unilateral ECT on a low setting for treatment resistant Bipolar 2 and psychosis.
I was terrified before getting ECT about the memory loss problems that typically come with it, but I actually haven’t experienced any memory loss yet. I do experience difficulty concentrating more than I used to, but I think it’s been worth it.
My therapist commented that she can notice my energy levels have improved, same with the people closest to be, and I feel overall much happier. I can actually do stuff that I used to enjoy doing and feel joy from them.
I do get tired quicker and crash by mid afternoon, but my meds will be tweaked a bit to help with that soon. Despite the exhaustion, I actually feel more alive for once in my life.
I’m seeing my psychiatrist later today, and we’ll determine if I need another session of ECT on Monday. We’ve been going through the sessions one at a time to see how it affects me, so if I feel like I don’t need another session, I just have to say the word and we’ll stop. At the hospital I get ECT at, they don’t do maintenance sessions, so once we’re done I won’t be getting ECT again until it’s needed.
I can’t believe I didn’t do this sooner, it’s helped so much so far. The correct treatment really does wonders. If you’re reading this and considering going through with getting ECT, I recommend going to a doctor with good patient experiences to minimise the chances of complications and side effects.
I wish the best for anyone getting or about to get ECT and I hope you get the best results and recovery!