Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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E.C.T.

deleted_user
deleted_user
Has anyone out there who's willing to talk about it had ECT treatments and do you think that they helped you? I've been on meds for depression since my teens and I am now 52 and nothing has ever seemed to work for me. My new therapist has told me about some kind of "implant" that's supposed to help for people that haven't been helped by meds and therapy alone, but I haven't heard anything about this. My shrink doesn't believe in ECT for people with Bi-Polar, but once again my Therapist who I really respect says that she's had lots of patients that have gotten good results from ECT...at this point I'm willing to do anything to get better. Every night I pray for death and every morning I cry because I'm still alive. My boyfriend of 7 years left me because of my depression and now says he wants to get back together but when I was making arrangements to go up to see him over the 4th of July and told him that I was getting a hotel room so we could be alone (he's staying with friends he told me that he doesn't want to stay with me at the hotel), I really don't understand this at all. He tells me that he still loves me, but this doesn't sound like a man in love does it? So I would appreciate any input from anyone about ECT and the results that they did or didn't get. Thank you in advance for your attention and help in this matter. Psyche
deleted_user
deleted_user
I can't speak from experience, but the last time I was in the psych ward, there were three people that had and were undergoing it. I know that one guy had said that it had saved his life. The others were happy with the results as well. They all did complain about some short term memory losses though. I hope that will help a little.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thanks for your quick reply. I was in a pysch hospital for a week in april and one guy was getting treatments and I could see a difference in just the week I was there. What I don't understand is why it's so hard to convince the doc's to let me try ECT...nothing else is working, so why not at least try it while I still have insurance. It's almost like they'd rather I just commit suicide instead. As to the short term memory loss, I already have that from the depression and all the different meds that they have me on and all the time switching them around and I have to admit that I also have ADD and sometimes smoke pot (not often) but at times anything to just get through the day. You know what I mean. Once again thanks for the input. It helps
Desertdancer
Desertdancer
It might help to do some research on the internet about ECT. It's still really controversial. I've heard good stories and some horror stories. Personally, I just don't have a good feeling about it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've never had it done, but sometimes you just run out of options. Talk more with your doctor, and get a second option. I hope you find what you need. As far as your boyfriend goes, maybe you should just come right out and ask him what his intentions are. Why set yourself up for more pain? I hate it when people string others along. It's so cruel!
starfish
starfish
I just put "ECT" in the search box at the top of the page, and found 957 results. There has been a lot of discussion about this before.
You may have to sort through some irrelevant findings, but there is a lot there about ECT you're looking for as well.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I did have ECT treatment. It did not work for me. However I do agree with starfish do a search. I do know that a discussion was posted about a week ago. I did lose memory but not alot or not for long, and at the time I just wanted help. But please don't just take my advise...look it up. Lots of Luck.....Tonie
deleted_user
deleted_user
I had 7 sessions and no memory loss - I was as low as you can get and did not expect to live through my depression - I am back at work (within a few weeks of last treatment) 2 years later all is well and back to climbing the corporate ladder - In England I am told ECT is routine because most of the effects are positive and occur so quickly - I feel bad for people who did not respond as well as I did, but we are all individuals
deleted_user
deleted_user
Is this just a way of saying electric shock treatment.??? Just wondering? Same thing?
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