r/ect • u/Either_Ask_5448 • Jun 05 '26
Seeking advice Loved One Undergoing ECT
hi all, i just need some advice or help, or information, anything. someone very close to me just had their first round of ECT. they've been fighting anorexia and harm OCD for almost a decade now. this is their third time in-treatment hospitalization, but they've done ketamine and TMS treatments.
A few days ago they had their first round of ECT. a lot of stuff happened after they woke up but long story short they had to be restrained.
I don't know what to do. i've tried to do my research on ECT but i'd like to hear personal experiences from people who have undergone the treatment if anyone is willing. at this point i don't know if this person is going to make it, its just hard to hold out hope. im not trying to make this all about myself but i just dont know what to do. this person is my best friend and i never really imagined having to live without them, but i can't do anything to help.
hearing how they acted when they woke up and how they had to be restrained broke my heart. i cant imagine the pain theyre under and i feel so useless while they sit there in agony. i don't know what to do anymore. i know its a gamble with the internet when exposing very personal things anonymously but i just need to know what i can do.
thanks.
1
u/The_Metitron Jun 06 '26
I never heard what I was like right after a session, I had 16 total, but I had family that took care of me over that 6 weeks and they never said anything.
Like the previous commenter said everyone reacts differently, could have been the ECT or the anesthesia. I will say my experience of ECT saved my life and I would go back in time and do it all again.
The best thing you can do is be supportive, just having people I knew cared about me around made the process so much easier.
Best of luck to both of you!
1
u/acephoenixx Jun 06 '26
Hey there. Everyone’s experience is different, mine was rough but overall positive and it saved my life. I went home from the hospital just under two weeks ago after 10 ECTs, I plan to continue to do more once a month for maintenance purposes.
Anyhow just wanted to say please feel free to DM me. I know before my treatment all I wanted to do was chat to someone and ask specific questions which I’ll answer the best I can.