How bad do you think a person's depression should be before they get ECT?!

How bad do you think a person's depression should be before they get ECT?

I have severe depression. But I am still able to type (obviously). I kind of always thought that people who got ECT couldn't get out of bed at all. I'm pretty down, but not like that. My doctor thinks I maybe should get ECT.

Well I work in inpatient behavioral health (for 5 years) so kinda know a little about this.

ECT is recommended when other other meds dont work and you are still suicidal or really depressed.

But it is also recommended quite often for pregnant people...yes I said pregnant. The reasoning is that it is safer on the fetus to have a little zap just to your brain then to take a med that will cross over to the baby.

Also in older people where side effects from meds may not be tolerated well. ECT is often used for them too.

I have assisted quite a few ECT treatments before and it is really quick and easy. You are out, zapped and awake and back on the unit in no time. There is also outpatient ECT. Treatments are Mon, Wed, and Fri at the hospital I work at. 10 treatments is about average I guess.

One guy, the first ECT treatment I watched, he was so depressed he couldn't even look up. After the treatment I looked and saw a man on the phone calling his bank and balancing his checkbook. To my surprise it was the same patient!! I was so surprised.

This isn't always the case...but just wanted to share what I know...hope you find something that works for you.