Andy Luff’s Recovery Journey After ECT-Induced Brain Damage
Andy Luff sought help from a psychiatrist to manage his autism symptoms, but instead of receiving appropriate care, he was prescribed electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which resulted in permanent brain damage.
The Road to Recovery
With the support of his partner, Jill and others, practical steps to restore his health, and rehabilitation from Headway, a UK-based head injury organazation, Andy gradually regained his love for reading, writing, and nature—simple joys he feared were lost.
This journey strengthened his bond with Jill and helped him rediscover his abilities through determination and teamwork.
His sense of humor has also made a full recovery.
Helping Others
Post-traumatic growth often brings a renewed desire to help others, and Andy now volunteers to support people with brain injuries.
By transforming his loss into service and purpose, he not only furthers his own healing but also inspires hope, demonstrating that growth and fulfillment are possible even after loss and adversity.
Learn more about Andy:
- My Recovery from a Brain Injury from ECT
- Andy Luff Shares His ECT Story; Walk a Mile in my Shoes Podcast
- Andy Luff’s ECT Story
Oliver’s Recovery From ECT
Oliver Swingler’s story is one of immense struggle and resilience. He endured a difficult childhood shaped by family trauma and a psychiatric system that harmed more than it helped.
In his early life, he faced bullying, psychiatric misdiagnoses, and ultimately underwent electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) that left him with profound memory loss, emotional struggles, and lasting physical effects.
The fallout from ECT impacted every aspect of his life—from his education and relationships to his ability to recall basic details about his own history.
Despite these challenges, Oliver found ways to rebuild. His journey of healing included alternative therapies, connecting with others harmed by ECT, and rediscovering his passion for activism.
From protesting against ECT to contributing to environmental and social justice movements, Oliver channeled his anger into positive action. He even wrote songs that reached a wide audience and reconnected with his creative side.
While life after ECT has remained difficult, Oliver’s story highlights post-traumatic growth—the ability to find purpose and moments of joy amidst adversity.
“What I’m trying to get across is that it’s not easy, but it isn’t all bad news, there can be life after ECT, moments of joy as well as sorrow, and with my sights and expectations of myself set nice and low, the chance to have real self-respect knowing I tried, I did something I feel good about almost every day.”
Best wishes, Oliver, 14th September 2015
Lucy Dawson
Misdiagnosed with severe mental illness instead of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, a serious brain infection, Lucy Dawson was sectioned for over three months and underwent electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
The treatment caused a spontaneous seizure, leading to a fall onto a radiator that permanently damaged her sciatic nerve, leaving her paralyzed below one knee.
For months, Lucy didn’t know what had happened to her leg. It was only after a neurologist correctly diagnosed her encephalitis that she finally learned what her injury meant.
She had to relearn how to talk, and do basic tasks:
“For the next years, I rebuilt and relearnt as though I was a toddler again, and despite having some of the lowest moments possible, where I wished I had simply never woken up – I am here today!”
These life altering events changed the course of her life. She found a place in the disabled community. Despite the trauma and disabling injuries, Lucy has transformed her experience into a source of strength.
She has recovered and now works as a model, using her platform to raise awareness about encephalitis and inspire others facing adversity.
Learn more about Lucy:
- Lucy’s Website
- I was paralysed in one leg while sectioned in psychiatric hospital after doctors mistook my rare brain disease for a breakdown – now I’m modelling in London fashion week
- Encephalitis: ‘Friendly fire’ in my brain saw me sectioned in error
- Lucy Dawson: the model who got a mystery headache, a misdiagnosis – and a new mission in life
Dr. Sue Cunliffe
Dr. Sue Cunliffe shares her journey of rebuilding her life after experiencing disabling side effects from ECT. She talks about living with brain injury from a treatment she was told was safe and how support from Headway, a UK brain injury organization, helped her find a diagnosis and start recovery.
She shares the emotional and physical toll of her injuries, explains why they should be called brain damage, and highlights the lack of proper consent and support for patients.
Despite great losses, with the right support, Sue found meaning an purpose in her life after ECT.
Watch Sue’s video: My Journey With Brain Damage: From despair to a daily struggle with hope and meaning
Wendy’s Journey: The Hidden Risks of ECT and the Path to Healing
Wendy’s experience with ECT left her with devastating memory loss—entire decades of her life erased, including memories of her husband, childhood, and late mother. She trusted her doctors when they assured her it was safe, never imagining she’d lose so much.
Despite the grief and frustration, she found a way to move forward. She relearned parts of her job, adapted to cognitive struggles, and eventually found a medication that worked for her. It wasn’t easy, and the loss still weighs heavily, but she’s using her voice to warn others about the risks of ECT.
Her story is one of resilience and purpose. She wants others facing treatment-resistant depression to know there are other options. Even after profound loss, healing is possible, and life continues.
Read Wendy’s Story
Lost Memories, An Unbroken Spirit: Navigating Life After 400 ECT Treatments
Kimberley Rettig’s story is one of profound loss, but also resilience. After more than 400 ECT treatments, much of her past—her childhood, education, and personal history—has been erased. The memories that once shaped her identity are no longer accessible, a reality that is both devastating and difficult to put into words.
Despite this, she continues to move forward. A recent diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Decline, along with concerns about grey matter reduction, adds another layer to her journey. Yet, through it all, her creativity remains, as does her inner strength.
Her experience reflects the heart of post-traumatic growth—the ability to adapt, redefine oneself, and find meaning after immense loss.
Read Kimberly’s story
Lisa Morrison’s Story
Lisa Morrison’s story is one of resilience and transformation after major loss. Years of psychiatric hospitalizations, suicide attempts, and over 72 ECT treatments left her with severe memory loss, erasing milestones with her children and significant life events. While ECT initially provided temporary relief, it ultimately became more about numbing pain than true healing.
Despite these challenges, Lisa has worked to reclaim her life. By seeking trauma-informed care and speaking out against the psychiatric system that failed her, she has turned her experience into advocacy. Her story highlights the need for informed consent, compassionate care, and alternatives to harmful treatments.
Read Lisa’s Story
Share Your Recovery Story
Recovery after ECT looks different for everyone, but your story could be the guide someone else needs. If you’ve found ways to heal, adapt, or rebuild, consider sharing to encourage those newly facing this challenge. We’d love to hear from you!
Share your story by commenting below, visiting our contact page or email us at contact@lifeafterect.com
Thank you!
