Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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FEELING SCARED...ECT

bipolarmum
bipolarmum
I am facing ECT again in the very near future and I am getting really scared. Last time I had it I had 6 sessions and it changed my life, I improved so much and was alive again. I voluntarily agreed to having it because it was my last resort after 2 years of just about every medication you can name, but as I was so unwell at the time I didnt have the capacity to analyze my decision and think clearly about it. I am very medication resistant and although my current meds have kept me good for a period of time since Christmas I have slowly been going down hill. My Psychiatrist said all along that with my history the meds would only prolong the life of the ECT's effectiveness and when it started to wear off I would need 'maitenence' ECT. Now we are agreeing that the time is soon because I am getting more and more unwell and we want to avoid a complete meltdown. The problem is Im scared out of my mind!! I know all about the memory loss, I had severe shorterm memory loss for the duration off the treatment last time and still have blank areas from the months before and after treatment, although much of 1 year prior to that is gone too because my depression was so severe I was almost catatonic. ANYWAYS my question is has anyone ever been more dpressed after treatment or has it made them worse not better??? Im so scared that I will end up worse and then I will be screwed for life...Please only give me advice if you have real experience with ECT cause I dont want to hear any rumour crap that might/mightnot be true and totally freak me out!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm sorry, I'm not speaking from personal experience, but I have witnessed many, perhaps 10 different people go through it and all have been absolutely amazing to me. In most of those cases I've had the pleasure of knowing the person prior to any treatments then after even only a few and the difference is unbelievable. I've been successful with meds, and I know there are scary side effects but if need be, I'd do it in a hearbeat. Good luck to you.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have heard many ppl who have gone thru this with success.....the memory loss a side effect and the ability to relaearn excellant. I truley wish you well and much success.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Dear bipolarmum:

You and I have already shared out ECT experiences. I just want to remind you that we both agreed the positive far outweighed the negative. In fact the only negative is the memory loss. I suggested you and your family take as many pictures as possible and journal around the pix so that may jog your memory. If I needed ECT again I would do it in a heart beat. Good luck and message me if you want to talk some more.
deleted_user
deleted_user
In late 2005 I had (10 ) ECT Treatments.I was hospitalized then.I've lost all my memory and I had to relearn many things again but ECT safed my LIFE !!
Good Luck to you. Love,Maria
starfish
starfish
I haven't had personal experience with ECT, but I do know that if depression in general does not get treated, especially when it is worsening, it tends to keep getting worse. I know you are in a catch 22, and it is not an easy decision to make. If you do not do it, though, you are likely to continue to get worse. I think that is a good time to do it. But of course, the choice is yours. I'll be praying for you if you want.
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