Trigger Warning: Suicide
Paris Jackson opened up about her painful electroconvulsive therapy while she was struggling with depression. She reflected on the most challenging phases of her life.
Paris Jackson says the treatment helped her depression but caused severe pain, memory loss and other side effects
Paris Jackson, 28, appeared on Jay Shetty‘s podcast “On Purpose,” where she discussed her experience with ECT. She shared that her album, “Happiest Day of My Life,” was inspired by her real life.
“I did nine sessions in three weeks” of “getting electrocuted” after being “very, very close” to a suicide attempt. “[I was], like, centimeters away” from multiple attempts. While talking about her treatment, she recalled, “It’s not as barbaric as it used to be. They use general anesthetic. You’re knocked out when they shock you.”
“I have a lot of metal [piercings], so I had to replace all the metal in my face with plastic earrings. You go in, you get your hospital gown, they knock you out, strap you down, put a bite guard on your mouth [and] electrocute you. It helps with the neuroplasticity in your brain. If I’m not mistaken, it’s still the most effective form of depression treatment,” she added.
Michael Jackson‘s daughter shared that treatment was painful for her and she had to face “gnarly side effects.”
Paris added, “The first time I woke up, it was the most sharp pain I have ever experienced inside of my head. It’s soreness from getting electrocuted. I definitely had days completely not in my head at all. Friends visited me, and I don’t remember even seeing them [even though] I have evidence. I don’t remember the conversations.”
According to Page Six, she had also considered CBD, DBT, and EMDR before exploring ECT. Her experience highlights the impact ECT had on her depression and the side effects she faced.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
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