My Firsthand Experience with Electroconvulsive Therapy

Lots of people have asked me why I chose to take my college courses online. I used to tell them the same thing every time, “I was having some medical issues and couldn’t deal with on-campus classes back then.” What I didn’t tell them, though, was that those “medical issues” were months of crippling depression for which I was being treated with tri-weekly sessions of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Because of the stigma, I used to avoid talking about my experience with ECT out of fear of being judged. Now, because of the stigma, I use my experience to educate those who still think ECT is a mirror image of what they see on “American Horror Story” or “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” If you’re like most people who have heard of ECT but don’t really know much about it, you’re probably either shocked or disturbed by the fact that ECT still exists or you’re sympathetic that I had to go through such a “traumatic” ordeal. While I truly appreciate the concern from those who don’t know the reality behind ECT, I always ensure them that I underwent the procedure voluntarily and that had I not done so, I’d probably be dead by now. There’s usually a moment of stunned silence following that particular bit, so I take a second to let the words sink in. I then go on to recount the three months I spent receiving ECT treatments on every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and how they undeniably saved my life. The first thing you should know a...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Antidepressants Caregivers Children and Teens Depression Disorders ECT General Medications Memory and Perception Personal Stories Suicide Bipolar Disorder college Electroconvulsive Therapy Mental Illness Stigma Suicide Atte Source Type: news