Psychiatrist Questions Depression

Major Depressive Disorder, ECT treatments

My name is Katie and I am 36 years old. I have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and I have been struggling with severe depression on and off since I was 10. I am trying to get scheduled for ECT~I have had it done before in 2008 and 2019. I feel like my brain is completely physically empty and numb and rotting and deteriorating and wasting away and I feel like I am physically dying. I feel like I have tingling and stinging sensations in my brain and forehead and physically numb feelings in my face and forehead. I feel mentally retarded for lack of better words and like all of my intelligence is gone. I am never hungry but I force myself to eat. I want to die every night in my sleep and I have suicidal thoughts every day. I feel like my eyes are stinging+they stay open a lot+I hardly blink. It is almost impossible to shower and walk outside or do anything. Do other people who have had ECT~have they had similar feelings or complained about similar things before they had ECT done? Please let me know ASAP. Thank you.

Female | 36 years old
Complaint duration: 10 months+
Medications: Vitamin D, levothyroxine, fluvoxamine, blood builder pill, multivitamin gummies, melatonin gummies
Conditions: Major Depressive Disorder, hypothyroidism

3 Answers

PsychiatristDepression
I`m really sorry you`re feeling this way, Katie. It sounds like you`re going through an incredibly tough time. The feelings you`re describing, like numbness, physical sensations, and extreme emotional distress, are concerning. While some people report temporary cognitive or emotional changes after ECT, your symptoms seem more intense. It`s important to reach out to your doctor immediately, especially with thoughts of suicide. They may consider adjusting your treatment plan or recommend emergency help if necessary. You don’t have to go through this alone—please speak to a healthcare professional ASAP.
There are medications for treatment resistant depression
You mention hypothryoidism? Is this being treatedwith normal lab results? If not, this is the problem. Dr. Underwood