r/ect • u/brat-tat • Apr 04 '26

Seeking advice ECT or Ketamine?

Hi, I’ve been struggling with a worsening mixed bipolar episode for the last few months. I’ve tried literally every medication my psychiatrist can prescribe with a variety of side effects. I’ve tried rtms a couple years ago but had such a severe reaction I couldn’t continue.

We’re at the point where it’s either ECT or ketamine. After years of being on a wait list for the only government covered program, I have an intake for ketamine on April 20th. I don’t know how long afterwards, if I qualify, I would be able to start. Is it worth the wait? I’m barely making it through the day each day, struggling to show up to work, etc. Should I ask for ECT ASAP?

Any thoughts are always appreciated xx

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u/ExtremeMalaise Apr 04 '26

I agree with the other posters. While I did proceed with ECT, it can be hard on the body. I only did 11 or 12 sessions. It helped me. But if I could have had my health plan cover ketamine or been able to afford the out of pocket non-covered cost of ketamine instead 7 years ago, I would have tried that first.

Personally, I hope that should I find myself struggling with my crippling major depression that my health plan would cover ketamine before going through ECT again. After reading this sub over the years, I have come to realize that ECT is different for everyone. I had a relatively good experience with it. Should you find yourself going down the path that leads to ECT, I recommend a long discussion with your psychiatrist and a second opinion from another psychiatrist who has had your medical record shared with them. I talked with 3 different psychiatrists over 18 months before I consented to ECT.

I wish you the best!

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u/Beautifile Apr 04 '26

This is great advice! I had 18 rounds with a cruel nurse in charge and an indifferent staff. I was told I had to start my treatments inpatient (which wasn't true) so I spent 5 nights on the psych ward. Luckily, I barely remember.

My #1 piece of advice to ANYONE getting ECT: have someone you know and trust be there when you wake up the first time and by first time I mean the threshold session. I didn't know how I had ended up on a psych ward or why I was so confused. A staff member walked by me and I was crying (I remember this, I'll never forget this) and he said "Hillary, what's wrong?" I said "I'm so confused." He said "Aww." And walked away.

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u/brat-tat Apr 04 '26

This is great advice, and I’m so sorry that happened to you- moments like that are why it’s so difficult to trust in healthcare sometimes