MichaelS36

ECT (electroconvulsive therapy)can be an effective albeit last resort treatment for suicidal ideation. When my husband came to me to say he'd discussed this treatment option with his psychiatrist, I was at once afraid and sad. ECT had been discussed several years ago. It was left behind on the table in favour of other treatments. The other treatments which worked had slowly, over the years, become less effective. tim told me that the voices that urged him to take his life had become stronger. Fighting them was more difficult. As was proven about two years ago, when his suicide attempt was nearly successful. More in-person talk therapy was given as were different combinations of drugs. tim tried but said recently these were no longer working well and he wanted to try ECT. After speaking with tim's trusted long time psychiatrist, we decided to try it. You can imagine where my thoughts led me: patients strapped to tables, awake when the treatment is administered. Thankfully, that is far from the reality. So far, tim has had three treatments. So far, he's doing well and he thinks it might be helping. I'm not sure that's true as I've been told it's a bit soon. But belief is a powerful thing. I live in hope.

tim will enjoy reading your comments. I'm sorry to hear you've been parted from your husband. I hope you're able to find some peace in cherished memories of him.

Happy New Year. We should all commit to this, I agree but there are those who struggle with inner peace and happiness. To them I say your hurt and suffering are part of your life's journey. For 2025 try to embrace who you are, and that includes your mental illness, and those deeply dark days where no light lives. Even on those days where the pain seems endless, you are worthy and loved. Remembering that life is worth the effort and recalling this is especially important during those most painful of times. I wish all of you and your families a wonderful New Year.

I wondered why I'd receive a message saying Cia had mentioned me. I should have known it had something to do with you! Your story remains a standout.

I will. Thanks.

That's wonderful!

Exactly. They did what they do, hunted down the prey in their pool. Time to stop punishing animals for human stupidity.

Ha! Don't trust 'em as far as you can throw them. I know exactly why he did it. Cheeky boy.

For some reason, tim asked me to drop in and let you know that it's: I'd recommend enjoying polar bears from afar, and do not attempt to swim with them as one woman did at a zoo in Germany. Thankfully, the bears were not punished for attacking her (prey). They managed to haul her out alive. Even zookeepers don't go into the polar bear enclosure when the bears are out. Insane. Have a good week.

Sounds like everyone is doing fairly well. As tim mentioned, we're all getting healthier at our house. tim is looking a lot better in his jeans these days.. 😇

There's this one ...

A rather dark and sad story. Tristan is under the thumb of William who refuses to free his apprentice. Well done. I enjoyed reading it very much.

That's very hard. I know. Matthew is lucky to have had you in his life, and I know you'd say the same of him. I cannot imagine having to say farewell to Dan. He has become so much a part of our lives and we, his. I know this is very hard. You've said how much you love Matthew and logically you know you're doing the right thing. That's brave and loving. I have no good advice to offer, my friend, other than to take one day at a time. M

Another excellent story by our author. This is a little outside of tim's normal tale but it's wonderful. Charlie decides to travel much to his parent's surprise, rather then going straight on to university . He has his reasons for doing so. Don't miss reading this terrific sweet tale.

What a lovely and sweet tale of love, acceptance with a little forgiveness and understanding thrown in. Everyone should have a Tom in their life early on. Charlie is a lucky young man. Well done, tim. xoxo

Two wonderful poems about the life journey those who suffer from depression follow. tim fought it for many years with drugs and therapy. Since choosing to see depression as part of who he is, rather than the enemy within, he's found life easier. Acceptance that he travels life's road with depression, has made it somewhat easier. These two poems are full of hope and acceptance.

You've fought the black dog for a long time. I hope you and others who suffer find some peace and solace as you learn to accept this part of yourselves. The poems are both beautiful and full of hope and wisdom. I'm glad you chose to share them.

One day at a time, tim. The poem is very graphic in its way and the image itself is creepy. However, it's well done.

Thank, chris. I'll let him know. Much appreciated.

Hopefully, tim will return in time to post his Anthology story. Take care everyone.

Family. I wonder about family often but we don't choose them. While we may have been close when younger, often we grow apart for myriad reasons. There are some I don't miss. Thank you, Cassie. tim is doing better and he may be back for short periods soon.

It was an excellent story. One of tim's best.

Thank you, Starrynight, I'll let tim know. Thank you.

Thanks, chris. I'll let him know. I appreciate it.

Thank you, Reader. I will tell him.