If friends are true friends they will support you. And ECT is kind of a private thing so you dont have to share it to suffer the recourse of other people. You are doing what you need to do to get better. Best Wishes!

I'm so glad that you're feeling better and I hope the treatments continue to help you improve sweetie..
I agree with suga share your info with who you're comfortable with... There's a ton of info on the net so those that want to understand it better can be pretty well informed as to how it will help you
Great big hug...x

I had ECT last year around this time and it really helped. All my friends have mental illness too,so they understand the process. I hope you continue to feel better and know that you are not alone in this battle.

I everyone. I was recently diagnosed with BP and put on Li. I'd like to get ECT because I can't deal with this anymore and I don't want to wait for the drugs to work. (i haven't had much luck with psychiatric drugs), if they even will work. I've heard ECT is highly effective with minimal side effects and any memory loss is temporary if it even does occur.and some DR's saying that it should be a first line treatment. How were your experiences with it? was it effective?

Beggs, I agree with sugboog, if they really are good friends they will support you and be there for you. wish you the best

I'm in the same situ. as rasmussen... I'm on Lithium but so exhausted from waiting for meds to work or to find the right one. I was extremely close to finally doing ECT last year when my psych. asked me to try Li. and give meds. one more chance. But if it doesn't work, I'll go the ECT route. The memory loss part scares me a little - have you had any problems with that?

I hope it works for you and gives you some relief. Best wishes.

It didn't work for me and made me worse but if you think it's helping by all means continue. I also agree with not telling people. I don't talk about my Meds or my condition with people unless I totally trust them and know they aren't going to judge. You may have short term memory loss from the treatments so just be aware of it. I had it and it never quite went away. I still have trouble with memory and retaining new information. Good luck.

I've done ECT a few different times. Unfortunately, I don't have the transportation to continue with maintenance so the positive effects have worn off. I only let my family know and maybe one close friend because people tend to not understand. I did attend a bipolar support group and I felt safe enough to talk about it there. I think it's important to talk about it but be careful with who, because there's a lot of stigma just because people don't know about it. Best of luck, I hope things get better.

I have been receiving ECT for 7 years and have done a lot of treatments over the years. Within the first few months I had lost almost my entire long term memories and even the most simple tasks were impossible. Did it save me from imminent suicide? Yes. Would I do it again if I was told this is "our last resort" ? Hell no!! I am not saying thst ECT is not helpful or effective but being well informed and knowledgable is a big part of deciding to do it. When I was started all those years ago I was so far gone last resorts were irrelevant. But I'm still here and after 8 months without a treatment I hope someday I will get my life back. ECT should not be decided onlightly. Good luck to all dealing with these options. Turned to your loved ones for support and help.

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