Hi falcon. I only have little things to share about my experience with your concerns, beyond what Daonnachd already did, beautifully.

1) I had unilateral ECT. I did start experiencing some minor memory issues after maybe my 4th or 5th treatments, that continued for a month or so after I completed my series. I can't speak for all people, but though some memory issues made me feel a bit uncomfortable, looking back, they were no biggies. At least not in my case. I did not have permanent loss of significant memory for any time in my life except perhaps some of the days surrounding my last ECT treatments. I don't know of anyone who lost such memories. Frankly, I'm glad I don't remember all of the details of the days during my ECT period. As for little piddly stuff, yes I forgot a few things, but the memories came back quickly. It wasn't like learning them again for the first time. For example, during my ECT, I forgot how my husband took his coffee. He reminded me and I was like "Oh my, of course I know that!" Such memory loss was, to me, more feeling a little temporarily muddled than permanently damaged.

2) Anesthesia has some risks, but as Daonnachd wrote, the doctors and anesthesiologists and nurses are very well trained. Issues are rare.

3) I don't feel I have been stigmatized for having ECT. For one thing, I don't go around advertising it. Even if I did share about it, I think teaching people what it is really like is a great service. Unfortunately, some people do think "One Flew Over the Cuckoo Nest" and that is so inaccurate. ECT can be an excellent treatment for people who really need it. That's good.

I forget who wrote it, but I had a similar experience as them in that my ECT eventually made it possible for me to respond better to medications, whereas before I was a bit treatment resistant. That was also a great thing!