In a Nutshell: My Week in Review

~ Heather Loeb

The past couple days have been hard. I’ve been extremely fatigued, irritable and I’ve fallen back on some unhealthy coping skills, such as binge eating. I don’t know why, but I’m just exhausted. It hurts to move.

Tomorrow I get another ECT, so maybe it’ll reset my brain and I’ll get back on track. Things were going well up until a couple days ago. I have a lot to look forward to.

We leave for San Antonio in just an hour. We’re staying the night in a hotel so we can get to the hospital bright and early. I know they help, but I really don’t like ECTs. Not a fun time for me.

Please think good thoughts and send light my way.

Here’s to next week. Hoping y’all have a good one, too.

Published by Heather Loeb

I have major depressive disorder among other “fun” diagnoses. I hope to normalize depression through my blogs.

8 thoughts on “In a Nutshell: My Week in Review”

  1. Ashley L. Peterson – Canada – I'm the author of three books: Psych Meds Made Simple, Making Sense of Psychiatric Diagnosis, and Managing the Depression Puzzle. These are informed by my professional experience as a former pharmacist and mental health nurse, as well as my lived experience of major depressive disorder. My goal with Mental Health @ Home is to challenge mental illness stigma and provide a safe space for open dialogue to empower others to share their voices.
    ashleyleia says:

    One thing I liked about ECT, besides the fact that it helped, was that in the few seconds between when they injected the anaesthetic and when I was knocked out, I sensed a really interesting smoky smell. I have no idea why it happened, but it happened every time, and I liked it.

    Reply
    1. Heather Loeb – I’m 36 years old and suffer from Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder and Binge Eating Disorder. I live with my husband and two small children in Texas. I hope my blog helps to end the stigma of depression and other mental disorders.
      Heather Loeb says:

      That’s interesting. I just feel fear lol

      Reply
    1. Heather Loeb – I’m 36 years old and suffer from Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder and Binge Eating Disorder. I live with my husband and two small children in Texas. I hope my blog helps to end the stigma of depression and other mental disorders.
      Heather Loeb says:

      Thank you!

      Reply
  3. mentalhealth360.uk – United Kingdom – Mum to two amazing sons. Following recovery from a lengthy psychotic episode, depression, anxiety and anorexia, I decided to train as a Mental Health Nurse and worked successfully in various settings before becoming a Ward Manager. I am a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and a Mental Health Awareness Trainer, Mental Health First Aid Youth and Mental Health Armed Forces Instructor. Just started my mental health from the other side blog.
    mentalhealth360.uk says:

    Sending good wishes and lots of light on this part of your journey. Instead of the fear, perhaps you could try simple breathing techniques and focus on that alone 🙂

    Reply
    1. Heather Loeb – I’m 36 years old and suffer from Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder and Binge Eating Disorder. I live with my husband and two small children in Texas. I hope my blog helps to end the stigma of depression and other mental disorders.
      Heather Loeb says:

      Thank you!

      Reply

  4. As someone who is possibly considering ECT, what does it mean it terms of treatment in the longterm? Is this something that you believe you will need to undergo every few weeks indefinitely?

    I am very interested in ECT as I have not been able to find many effective treatments for my depression, but i don’t think I would be able to commit to ECT for a lifetime due to financial and scheduling issues.

    Do you think it builds up over time and you will need ECT less frequently over time?

    Reply
    1. Heather Loeb – I’m 36 years old and suffer from Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder and Binge Eating Disorder. I live with my husband and two small children in Texas. I hope my blog helps to end the stigma of depression and other mental disorders.
      Heather Loeb says:

      ECT saved my life and I’ll be forever grateful. Typically, you would do 12-14 treatments over three or four weeks then do a maintenance phase. It’s not forever. I’m extremely treatment resistant so that’s why I go so frequently. If you have other questions, I’ll be happy to answer them. Thanks for reading.

      Reply

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