Why are people harmed by ECT so often ignored — even when they reach out directly to researchers?

Content Warnings: Brief mention if abuse and suicide.

In this episode, we continue reading emails from injured ECT patients who reached out to government-funded researcher Harold Sackeim, only to have their pleas for help ignored.

Sackeim had publicly invited people experiencing memory problems after ECT to contact him—but, according to author Linda Andre, he later testified that he discarded 175 of those messages.

Through these stories, we dig deeper into the history of why people harmed by ECT are so often not beleived.

this is for educational purposes only. I’m not a medical professional, and nothing here should be taken as medical advice. I’m sharing my understanding of the public record and other published works on this topic.

Show Notes:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C_PesMA4_CFCPkLXojJWSjP8ipq9SGTGo2r5KBeo5Oo/edit?usp=sharing

🎵 Music Credits:

Intro/Outro: "Naya Instrumental" by Tomh

Artist: @tomh_music

Track: https://soundcloud.com/tomh_music/naya-instrumental

Used under free license with attribution

In this episode, we continue reading emails from injured ECT patients who reached out to government-funded researcher Harold Sackeim, only to have their pleas for help ignored.

Sackeim had publicly invited people experiencing memory problems after ECT to contact him—but, according to author Linda Andre, he later testified that he discarded 175 of those messages.

Through these stories, we dig deeper into the history of why people harmed by ECT are so often dismissed and disbelieved.

Show Notes

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C_PesMA4_CFCPkLXojJWSjP8ipq9SGTGo2r5KBeo5Oo/edit?usp=sharing

Life After ECT Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of those harmed by ECT through advocacy, education, and research. Learn how you can support our work.

If you’re struggling after ECT, you’re not alone.

I’m Anna, a childhood psychiatric drug and teen electroshock survivor. After my brain was damaged by ECT in 2006, I was met with silence and denial from the medical system.

That’s why I founded Life After ECT—the first nonprofit dedicated to helping survivors through advocacy, education, and research.

On this channel you’ll find video essays, survivor stories, expert talks, and resources to help you understand your injuries and start rebuilding your life.

Learn more at LifeAfterECT.org