Teen Mental Health: Finding Hope in Electroconvulsive Therapy
Imagine being told that your teenager is “treatment and drug-resistant.” After nine mental health crisis hospitalizations, that’s where we are. For any parent, this diagnosis is devastating, and for me, it continued my relentless journey to save my child’s life. My teen, Ryan, battles severe depression, generalized anxiety disorder with a touch of autism. They faced teen mental health challenges that no teen should ever have to endure. Ryan is transgender and identifies with they/them and he/him pronouns, and I want to honor every part of who they are as I share this story.
Over four long years, I navigated a mental health system that often felt impossible to manage, searching for the right treatments to combat my teen’s severe suicidal ideation and prevent another mental health crisis. There were moments of hope, followed by crushing setbacks. But one thing remained constant: my unwavering determination to never give up.
This is not a story of medical expertise—it’s a parent’s story of advocacy, resilience, and love. If you’re reading this, you might also be navigating the complexities of teen mental health or trying to help someone you love. Know this: you are not alone, and there is hope, even when the road feels impossibly hard.
Medications: A Rollercoaster of Hope and Setbacks
When Ryan’s psychiatrist first recommended an SSRI, I was cautiously optimistic. I had my own experience with medication for anxiety, which had worked wonders for me. And for a while, it seemed to help Ryan too. They felt lighter, their dark thoughts eased, and for the first time in months, there was a glimmer of hope.
But that relief was short-lived. Over the years, Ryan tried countless medications—SSRIs, SNRIs, and mood stabilizers—all in an effort to combat teen depression and stabilize their mental health. The trial-and-error process was emotionally exhausting for both of us. For every medication that offered a brief reprieve, there were side effects, setbacks, or diminishing effectiveness.
This cycle was heartbreaking to witness as a parent. I kept asking myself, “Why isn’t there an easier solution? Why does my teen have to suffer like this?” But despite the frustration, I refused to let hopelessness win.
A Series of Hospitalizations
Ryan endured no less than nine suicide attempts in just four years. Each one was more serious than the last, and each one shattered me in new ways. Hospitalizations became a regular part of our lives. Ryan was admitted to the Virginia Treatment Center for Children (VTCC) and Tucker’s Pavilion multiple times, where incredible professionals worked tirelessly to keep Ryan safe.
When Ryan wasn’t in the hospital, they were attending outpatient therapy sessions, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and group therapy and tried hard to keep up with school work. Despite consistent efforts, nothing seemed to provide long-term relief.
The weight of teen mental health struggles can feel insurmountable, but I knew I had no choice but to keep fighting for my child. As difficult as it was for me, I knew it was even harder for Ryan. Their bravery in facing these challenges is something I’ll never stop admiring.
Turning Point: Exploring Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
After Ryan’s seventh hospitalization, one of their occupational therapists mentioned two treatments I’d never heard of: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Initially, ECT sounded terrifying. The thought of my teen undergoing such an intense treatment felt overwhelming to say the least.
But after two more suicide attempts and countless sleepless nights, I realized we needed to consider every option. Albert Einstein said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results. It was time for a new approach.
The Decision to Move Forward with ECT
With the support of Ryan’s care team at VTCC, we began the process of exploring ECT. It wasn’t easy. As a minor, Ryan required approval from multiple psychiatrists to qualify for the treatment. While most were supportive, one of Ryan’s former psychiatrist expressed doubts, stating that ECT is typically used for patients with catatonic depression and didn’t think it would be the right treatment for Ryan.
When I get anxious, I do two things really well: clean the house and conduct research. The data and testimonials I found gave me hope. ECT had helped other teens struggling with severe depression and suicidal ideation with few side effects. Ryan’s courage throughout this process was inspiring. Despite their fears, they agreed to move forward, knowing that ECT could be a life-saving intervention. They were also so mentally exhausted and ready for change.
The Outcome: A Transformative Turning Point for Ryan
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) wasn’t a magical, overnight fix, but it was undeniably transformative. For the first time in years, Ryan began to feel a noticeable shift in their mental health. The relentless impulses to self-harm began to fade, replaced by a newfound ability to pause, reflect, and think things through. More rational, hopeful thoughts started to take root where despair once dominated.
It wasn’t an immediate transformation, but after about eight ECT treatments, the changes became undeniable. Ryan smiled—a genuine, radiant smile I hadn’t seen in years. They started engaging more with family, opening up about their feelings, and even talking about the future. This was monumental. For so long, the future had seemed like a dark and unreachable place for Ryan, but now they were expressing concern about things like graduating high school on time and setting goals for themselves. Ryan was beginning to care again—about their life, their future, and their happiness.
Witnessing this change was nothing short of miraculous. As a parent, seeing your child start to reclaim their life is one of the most beautiful and heartwarming experiences imaginable. It felt like the weight of the world was finally starting to lift off Ryan’s shoulders—and mine.
ECT has become one of Ryan’s most valuable tools in their mental health toolbox. While it isn’t a standalone solution, it works in tandem with the other supports in Ryan’s life, such as weekly therapy sessions and carefully managed medications. Each element plays a vital role in helping Ryan manage their severe depression, suicidal ideation, and anxiety.
Ryan continues to work hard every single day to maintain their mental health. It’s an ongoing journey, and ECT has made it just a little easier to navigate. As of this writing, Ryan has been undergoing ECT treatments for about 18 months, and during that time, there have been no suicide attempts or incidents of self-harm. That alone is a triumph we celebrate every day.
Ryan is now thriving in ways I once feared would never be possible. They are doing well—not perfect, but well—and that’s more than enough. Ryan was able to navigate high school and graduate with their class and now is a freshman in college-managing their own medication. While these mental health challenges don’t simply vanish overnight, ECT has given Ryan the fighting chance they so desperately needed. It has allowed them to focus on building a brighter future and has given our family something we thought we had lost forever: hope.
For the first time in years, we’re not living in constant fear of the next crisis. Instead, we’re cautiously, but joyfully, looking forward—cherishing every smile, every small victory, and every moment of peace. Ryan’s journey continues, and so does our gratitude for the strength they’ve shown and the tools that have helped them along the way.
The Resilience of a Brave Teen
Through every step of this journey, Ryan’s resilience has left me in awe. No teen should have to endure the pain and challenges they faced, but their bravery and determination to keep going inspire me every day.
The Role of Advocacy in Teen Mental Health
As a parent, I’ve learned that my role isn’t to fix everything—it’s to advocate, support, and love unconditionally. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of the mental health system or simply being a shoulder to lean on, every small act of advocacy matters. I hope my Resources page can help another parent in need for teen mental health support.
Encouragement for Other Parents
If you’re a parent navigating teen mental health struggles, please know you are not alone. This path is filled with challenges, but there is hope. Surround yourself with a support system, lean on mental health professionals, and most importantly, take care of yourself too.
This blog isn’t just a story about Ryan’s journey—it’s a testament to the power of love, advocacy, and the belief that even in the darkest times, there is hope. Follow along for more updates as I continue to navigate the world of teen mental health and share lessons learned along the way.
Resources for Suicide Prevention and Teen Mental Health Support
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. This free service is available 24/7 for calls, chats, and texts. Support is just a call away, whether you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide or simply need someone to listen.
