But this image of ECT as a barbaric, painful, and brain-washing treatment discourages those instances where it could bring someone back from a life-threatening illness. Because of it, not only are hospitals less likely to administer ECT, but people who have a high chance of benefiting from it wouldn’t even consider it an option. The stigma isn’t just harmful; it can also prevent recovery. As suicide and depression become leading causes of death and disability around the world, we need all the support we can get.

Interest in ECT is returning. According to a recent report, a growing number of people are deciding to undergo the treatment. Between 2015 and 2016 in the UK, 22,600 sessions of ECT were performed, an 11% increase over the previous year. And ECT has been joined by more selective forms of electric therapy such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), both of which are growing in support and popularity in the treatment of depression, Parkinson’s disease, and other mental disorders.

In my case, I am comforted by the fact that there are promising alternatives if my antidepressants start to fail and my condition deteriorates.

Although how it works is little understood, ECT often is likened to the rebooting of a computer. The wiring of the brain is refreshed.

Perhaps it’s time for the image of ECT to undergo a similar transformation.

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Alex Riley is a science writer based in Bristol. He is currently working on a popular science book into how we treat depression around the globe.

To find someone to talk with in your country go to www.befrienders.org/directory. The International Association for Suicide Prevention has a list of global agencies that may also be able to provide immediate support.