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Carol Cleveland had a long history of behavioral health issues that became increasingly difficult to manage. However, once she was reintroduced to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment while seeing Ron Meunier, MD, Psychiatry at Trinity Health, she was eager to give ECT a try again and thought it was something that could help her.

ECT is a psychiatric medical procedure offered at Trinity Health that uses a brief electrical current to help rebalance brain chemistry. Trinity Health is the only healthcare facility in North Dakota outside of Fargo to offer ECT, making it a critical resource for patients across the region who would otherwise have to travel much further for this treatment.

Although ECT has been around since the 1940s, the treatment has advanced significantly, making it an effective treatment for major depressive disorder, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, patients who can’t tolerate medications and more.

“My expectations with ECT were that it should really help me, and I felt like it was something I needed,” Cleveland said. “As I went into my first ECT treatment, I wondered what it would help me do or how it would improve my life.”

For Cleveland, she saw an improvement right away, and the treatments were more effective than she imagined.

Prior to beginning ECT treatments, Cleveland was experiencing a lot of pain in her life and was consumed by relentless, overwhelming thoughts. While it seemed like making improvements and getting back to the life she knew before felt insurmountable, ECT helped Cleveland get back on track.

“After my first treatment, I wanted to continue ECT because it helped me out a lot. It has been a really good treatment for me. If I didn’t have access to ECT, I don’t know what I would do. It would be hard,” Cleveland said.

Once Cleveland established a regular treatment regimen with Lauren Wake, DO, Psychiatry at Trinity Health, she began to feel like herself again and has been stacking good days ever since. Ones where she can cook a nice meal for herself and enjoy the little things in life.

“I can cook supper now, and I don’t have to worry about anything. It’s a good day for me when I can cook supper and just be myself…be the person I always wanted to be,” Cleveland said.

Another highlight of a good day for Cleveland involves volunteering at Trinity Homes, something she wasn’t sure she’d be able to do again. Previously, Cleveland worked in dietary at the nursing home, but she has found immense joy in her current role in the activities department.

“I really enjoy the activities department. It’s a lot of fun getting to know the residents. I learn a lot and get to spend time with them. I really enjoy it and wouldn’t want to do anything else,” she said. “ECT has helped me feel more prepared for work and gets my mind set.”

In addition to its impact on her professional life, ECT has helped Cleveland rediscover the joy of spending time with her two sons, joy that was harder to access during her struggles.

Reflecting on how far she’s come, Cleveland now hopes others who are struggling can find the same relief she did through ECT.

“Go over ECT with your doctor and see if that’s something that is going to help you in the long run. If it wasn’t for ECT, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in now. ECT helped me a lot and I learned a lot from going through treatments. ECTs are a godsend to me,” Cleveland said.

To learn more about ECT and Trinity Health Behavioral Health services, visit www.trinityhealth.org/services/behavioral-health/