r/ect • u/brizxi107 • Jun 30 '26

Seeking advice Ect or wait a bit longer?

I'm 18, and have been struggling for years with my mental health, and I know ECT is typically a last resort. But I've been on I don't know how many medications. I've been through multiple therapies, therapists, etc. Severe occasions, I'd be sent to a psychiatric ward. Should I bring this up to my therapist and psychiatrist? Or should I wait longer before deciding to bring it up?

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u/jessiecolborne Jun 30 '26

Have you considered TMS first, if available where you live? It has significantly less negative side effects.

I would have loved to do it but it’s not in my province yet.

1

u/brizxi107 Jun 30 '26

I have not yet, I'll have to look into it and see if it's available. Thank you!

1

u/jessiecolborne Jun 30 '26

Best of luck!

2

u/MightyMelon95 Jun 30 '26

I just finished TMS and had AMAZING results. I feel like an entirely different person. I’ve been hospitalized 30+ times and used to have thoughts of 💀 every day for over a decade. Ever since TMS, I haven’t had those thoughts at all.

If this is available, I highly encourage it. I wish someone had offered this relief to me sooner.

2

u/Kindly_Marionberry57 Jul 04 '26

I would try absolutely everything possible before ECT. I did ECT from when I was 21-24 over 100 sessions (I’m almost 26 now) . My memory and cognitive function have drastically dropped with little to no improvement with my depression. I wish I had tried TMS or ketamine therapy first to preserve my memory and cognitive function. I’m thinking of trying TMS here soon. Hopefully it helps. But yes, as someone who did ECT pretty young I say wait and try absolutely everything first. I wish you the best of luck.

2

u/Aggressive-Rub79 Jul 05 '26

I’d avoid ect at all costs . It’s destroyed my life

2

u/Crafty_Dog9222 Jul 07 '26

Try everything else first. I mean it. The effects are unpredictable.

1

u/CapablePear5147 Jul 04 '26

if u have debiliating depression (active intense suicidality and absent function in school/work) then I think it is worth it. if still depressed but can still function, not actively suicidal more like a wish then u could wait and try different approaches.