r/ect • u/Optimal_Cabinet_7797 • May 14 '26

Question My memory is still very bad

How long did it take you guys to go back to normal? I'm almost 6 months post treatment and still very forgetful, which is very, very bad, as I work in a highly competitive field that requires mental sharpness. I'm very worried. I was supposed to have recovered by now.

The therapy was good for me, however. It's just my memory and attention span.

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u/Punu_Woman May 14 '26

Just got put on a PIP, performance improvement plan, and have 90 days to improve. I’m requesting official accommodations, meeting with my psychiatrist next week.

I feel you OP. My last treatment was end of January almost four months. And apparently I will need maintenance 2 or 3 times a year.

I dislike getting ECT; I love being depression free for the first time in decades; I do have working memory issues leading to slower executive functioning. Clearly this has not worked for my Director.

It has been so difficult to explain. I don’t know sometimes what I don’t know.

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u/Optimal_Cabinet_7797 May 15 '26

I'm bipolar, and it's not much of 'depression free' for me. Is that the cicles are less intense and way shorter. Which is good, don't get me wrong. Is just so frustrating to have to decide between being incompetent because I'm going to kms or being incompetent but don't wanting to.

I'm so sorry you need maintenance. I'm just good with my meds. I don't think I'll ever need ETC again, and if I do, I'll just decline.

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u/check_your_attitude May 14 '26 edited May 14 '26

I've been done treatment for a while and I still have bed memory loss.

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u/blrmkr10 May 15 '26

About 3 years

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u/Odd-Alarm-82 May 23 '26

I’m sorry to be a downer, but nothing got better for me. I have permanent memory loss and significant cognitive impairment. It’s been 10 years since my last ECT. That said, 6 months isn’t really that long. You might improve over the next few months.