[Lucy Goosey]

Can anyone who has had ECT share how they made the commitment to it? I'm terrified.

It came down to ECT or long-term hospitalization in a state hospital for me. I had already been in the hospital several weeks and medications were not at all helping the severe depression and suicidality lift. I wanted to be well enough to go home to my sons. Remarkably, I was home after my 2nd ECT treatment and feeling relief finally after about the 4th treatment.

I was really scared of ECT and still do get pretty nervous before each treatment. In fact, I don't sleep very well the night before. I tell myself they will help me feel better though, which I desperately want.

I felt extreme anxiety when first starting treatments. It slowly lessened over time. I still must have some level of anxiety because even though I can't feel it, I too do not sleep well the night before. My Doctor always says that is "normal".

Now, I only have 1 treatment left and that is causing extreme anxiety.

Originally Posted by emwell2

I felt extreme anxiety when first starting treatments. It slowly lessened over time. I still must have some level of anxiety because even though I can't feel it, I too do not sleep well the night before. My Doctor always says that is "normal".

Now, I only have 1 treatment left and that is causing extreme anxiety.

Emwell, you're not having maintenance treatments? I was having maintenance treatments until my depression worsened. Now I'm back to one a week for I don't know how long.

Originally Posted by newgal2

Emwell, you're not having maintenance treatments? I was having maintenance treatments until my depression worsened. Now I'm back to one a week for I don't know how long.

I've been at every 3 and half weeks maintenance for quite awhile. No depression for a very, very long time. The Doctor I receive the treatments from is retiring. There is no one to take his place. Believe me, I would continue maintenance if it was still available near me. I have had good luck with this treatment and do have some fear around stopping. It will be interesting to see how I do without treatments.

[Fallindown]

Originally Posted by Lucy Goosey

Can anyone who has had ECT share how they made the commitment to it? I'm terrified.

I couldn't endure the degree of depression I was experiencing. I had been hauled-off by the police for being suicidal several times.

It's really not a big deal. You have made it a big deal in your head.

After having it done I was fine..... considering what I was expecting. I saw "One Flew Over The Cookoo's Nest" years ago and that was totally baseless, pure b.s.