I had ECT in 2023, and it devastated me. I lost so much memory, and my brain has not recovered. I have to take notes when I try to learn from lectures or books because I will hardly remember anything. Even then, it’s hard to remember. I really have to study hard. People get frustrated with me because I can’t remember conversations or events sometimes. Things I should remember I don’t. ECT is awful, and it didn’t even work. If you are considering ECT, please reconsider. The damage can be permanent. Some people are left disabled.
To compensate for my brain damage from ECT, I am dedicating myself to scrapbooking and journaling to preserve my memories. I use digital and paper forms. For digital journaling I use the Diaro app, a beautiful app that allows you to color code memories and attach pictures. Yesterday I downloaded another app called Diarium. It allows you to record sound and shows the month by the photos you’ve taken. Then I’ve got my paper journals. The one i’m working on now is in a journal given to me by L, my sweet exchange student. I use photo stickers and a rainbow assortment of gel pens to record memories.
For scrapbooking, I do paper scrapbooking on beautiful sheets of scrapbook paper that I have. Once again, as with the paper journaling, my Canon Ivy photo printer with the Zink sticky paper is a life saver. I get photos printed as well, and use glue dots to adhere them, but being able to print a photo as a sticker saves so much time and money. I also have an instax link, so I can print instax photos too.
As much as I enjoy creative memory keeping, it makes me sad I have to do it. I used to be so sharp and clear. But Bipolar Disorder left me desperate, and I felt I had to try electroconvulsive therapy. I wish I could go back in time and choose not to do it. Bipolar mood swings and Bipolar medication hurt your memory enough. ECT was just too much.
For now I have to look on the bright side. It’s a great excuse to print photos and buy pretty papers and stickers. But I’m so sad I’m not who I used to be.
Life at Home 