My Approach to ECT Amnesia

I know that ECT is often feared and misunderstood because of the potential side effects, amnesia among them.

When I took some time to reflect upon my experience with ECT and the resultant amnesia I realised I could shape the view I had. I first started calling lost memories my memory holes because I had learnt that with focus I could sometimes refill them.

At some point I saw my perspective on life change in that I was not dwelling on my past but relishing my present instead. At the same time I was looking forward to the future with hope thanks to ECT.

I wanted to pull this all together and so I created an image in my mind of where I was in life relative to ECT and amnesia. I see myself standing at the edge of a field beyond which are forested hills and mountains. In the field are numerous holes. However, the holes don’t matter because while they’re there, they don’t impede my view.

I believe that having a positive attitude like this regarding ECT and amnesia has made it easier to attend treatments and see success.