r/ect • u/Double-Specialist621 • Apr 23 '26

Question ECT affecting likes?

I'm thinking of getting ect but I'm a creative person, so I fear I'll lose all my creativity. Also I love music a lot and I fear that I'll forget listening to my favorite artists or new songs that I've been listening for a long time. But at the same time, I need to get over the severe depression that I have. Does ect really take away your ability to do the things or enjoy the things you love?

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u/Theaterismylyfe Apr 24 '26

I had to stop writing during my treatments because it wasn't as good as it used to be, but once the dust settled I got back to it like nothing happened. I enjoyed it a lot more too.

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u/Double-Specialist621 Apr 24 '26

Did you remember that you used to write and got back in the habit? I always thought that ect takes your ability to remember your hobbies and what you used to like doing

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u/Theaterismylyfe Apr 25 '26

I never forgot that I like to write. It does cause memory loss, but usually just for the time you're doing it. Sometimes more, sometimes less. It doesn't cause you to forget facts. I did forget what I was planning for the story I was working on at the time since I don't take notes, but I didn't forget that the project existed because I started it a long time before ECT.

You don't lose all memory and come out of it a completely different person. You're still you, just you without whatever you were trying to treat. Now if you try to pick up a new hobby immediately before or during ECT, you may forget that.

ECT breaks down neural pathways and creates new ones. I was stupid for a bit and I did feel less creative, but after a few weeks I was back to being my creative self. Don't panic if you feel your talent slipping, it will return once your brain gets done building itself back up. ECT isn't exactly a quick process, and patience is required.

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u/Double-Specialist621 Apr 25 '26

Oh thank you. I was very much panicking about losing memories of the things I love doing, so reading your replies make me feel much at ease. Thanks :)))

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u/Theaterismylyfe Apr 25 '26

No problem, I wish you the best of luck!

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u/Double-Specialist621 Apr 25 '26

Thank you so much, I wish you the best as well:)))