Posted by SLS on January 18, 2007, at 17:47:24
In reply to RE: I am not going to post on ECT anymore, posted by linkadge on January 18, 2007, at 13:03:29
Hi Linkadge.
> ------
> First my disclaimer: if the following doesn't apply to you then disregard it.
> ------It must have been a difficult decision for you to make as to whether or not to enter this thread describing your passionate negative opinions of ECT. Afterall, I think the person who started it was pretty specific that she wanted to avoid such posts and that she felt she was sufficiently educated regarding the risks of this treatment. Still, if I were as thoroughly convinced of the dangers of a particular treatment as you are of ECT, I know I would be tempted to make pleas regardless of the wishes of the person. It is a difficult line to walk.
> Its your brain and ultimately you need to make the decision.
I think we all understand this right and the personal responsibility that goes along with it. I believe Karen has already demonstrated the maturity as an adult to make such decisions.
> One thing I would just like to comment is that sometimes people get into this mindset, that there is this linear treatment protocol whereby you fail one treamtment, and necessitates the next, harsher treatment.
> There is also a logical fallacy that the subsequent, harsher treatment must be more effective than the less harsh treatment (because of the fact that it is harsher)
You make a good point here.
> Another thing too, is that this whole board is so "bipolar". Sombody posts a study one day about the dangers of ECT, and everybody regrets having it, and shares their negative experiences. The next day, sombody talks about "so and so" who did great on ECT, and all of a sudden people are lining up outside the shock room. Its almost like we have no memory at all.Bandwagons. Yes, I know. I guess one could argue that there is a social responsiblity that goes along with weilding so much influence on a board such as this one.
> It is as if we only hear what we want to hear, and we disregard the rest.
It can be frustrating when people don't come over to our side.
> You don't want ECT as much as you want to believe there is something strong enough to get you well.
I may be presumptuous, or just a pain in the posterior, but I don't think people like to be told what they want and what they don't want, or what they want to believe. It is presumptuous, in my way of looking at things, to presume to know the mind of another. That being said, it is only logical that anyone should want a treatment free of discomfort and side effects that were more effective than what they had tried previously.
> Telling somebody you have had ECT is also a way of getting the point across of how bad you feel.
Hmm. I must say that I never used my describing of my experience with ECT that way. If anything, it represented treatment resistance, not illness severity. But that's just me.
> It used to be that one could just take an antiepressant and people would back off, and understand what you mean. Now, sombody has to dammge their brain just to get the point across.
Wow. Your saying this leaves me feeling very uncomfortable. I think most of us are adults here with adult minds, despite our illnesses. It sounds like you are describing the mind of a disturbed child.
> Its like cutting in a way. Even if it doesn't work, one can still show those scars so that people will understand.
I don't know, Link. It doesn't sound like you understand what cutting is all about. It always works.
> Don't use ECT as a badge.
Children again?
> Now don't get me wrong, I believe there is always something strong enough to get a person well,
Aha! An admission of treatability! Optimism? Feels good.
Don't look now, but now you are equating "strong" with "effective". Don't worry. It's a common mistake.
> but I just don't think that we should put ECT on this treatment pedisatal.
I agree. There is so much to look at, though.
> Cause in some peoples minds, ECT will stay on a pedistal untill the day that it gets pulled off the market.
Perhaps it doesn't belong on a pedestal, but I am not clear on where it should be placed. There are some pretty compelling stories out there that argue for having it remain available.
I respect your passions here.I also respect the intelligence and the sentiments of the initiator of this thread.
Specifically, her wishes were, "I don't want people to try to talk me out of ECT if that is what I ultimately decide to do"
It's a difficult line to walk, Linkadge. There is no question that your intents are caring and honorable.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:723441
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070113/msgs/723754.html