Both times I went through ECT, I was inpatient, severely suicidal, not responding to meds, and facing long-term hospitalization if things didn't turn around. I had already been in the hospital away from my husband and children for several weeks, and ECT was a plan for lifting the depression enough so the meds could start finally working and so I could get home again.

Both times it was very successful in fulfilling those goals. My depression started lifting within a few treatments and I was able to go home in a matter of days rather than weeks or months. I had some minor short term memory issues during the time of treatment but they resolved quickly once treatment was over. I was able to get back to work with no problem following treatment.

It wasn't a cure. I still needed meds and therapy, but ECT allowed me to survive and to get home to my family when those odds were very much against me prior to ECT.