Paris Jackson reveals 9 shocking electric shock treatments after suicide attempts

**Paris Jackson Confesses Painful Electroconvulsive Therapy After Suicide Attempts**

Paris Jackson, the 28‑year‑old daughter of late pop legend Michael Jackson, opened up about a nine‑session electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment on the latest episode of Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast.

She revealed that the therapy was a last‑ditch effort after repeated suicide attempts that left her “very, very close” to ending her life.

The former pop star, who has spent recent months promoting her new album *Happiest Day of My Life*, said the experience was “painful” but not barbaric, and it now informs the imagery on her album cover.

In the photo accompanying the record, Jackson’s hand gently holds her chin as she stares straight into the lens, a bite guard visible in her mouth. She explained that the guard is a reminder of those nine sessions in three weeks, during which she was “knocked out” and strapped down before each shock.

Jackson insisted the procedure helped with brain neuroplasticity and remains “the leading most effective form of depression treatment” in her view.

The interview also shed light on the broader context of her mental‑health journey.

Prior to ECT, Jackson had tried a “conveyor belt of medication,” five different institutions, CBD, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), lidocaine nerve shots, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and more.

She said she had “talk therapy” and a behavioral specialist for obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD) but still struggled to find lasting relief.

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## Background & Context

Jackson first spoke publicly about her suicide attempts in a 2017 Rolling Stone interview, saying, “It was just self‑hatred, low self‑esteem, thinking that I couldn’t do anything right, not thinking I was worthy of living anymore.” She added that she had been “doing a lot of things that 13‑, 14‑, 15‑year‑olds shouldn’t do” and that she “tried to grow up too fast” during her adolescence.

Those early admissions foreshadow the intensity of the ECT discussion that would surface years later.

During the podcast, Jackson recounted how close she was to suicide before seeking ECT. She described being “centimeters away” from attempting self‑harm and said her doctor explained, “It’s not as barbaric as it used to be. They use general anesthetic.

You’re knocked out when they shock you.” She added that she had a number of metal piercings, so all were replaced with plastic earrings for the procedure. The session involved being covered in a hospital gown, strapped down, a bite guard placed on her mouth, and the electrical shock delivered.

The nine sessions were scheduled over three weeks—intense by any standard. Jackson said the first time she woke up after a session, “it was the most sharp pain I have ever experienced inside of my head.

It’s soreness from getting electrocuted.” She also noted that she had days in which she felt “completely not in my head at all” and that amnesia was a side effect: “Friends visited me and I don’t remember even seeing them even though I have evidence. … I don’t remember the conversations.”

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## Treatment Journey

Jackson’s narrative on the podcast paints a clear picture of her mental‑health journey leading up to ECT. She explained she had “tried everything,” from multiple institutions to medication, therapy modalities like DBT and EMDR, and even physical interventions such as lidocaine nerve shots and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

TMS, for example, “helped a little bit with [her] OCD but had no effect on [her] depression.” When her psychiatrist discussed ECT, Jackson was willing to try it despite the potential discomfort.

She emphasized that integration of treatment insights is crucial: “If I’m not integrating the things I learn from these places and these experiences, I’m gonna resort back to how I was feeling before. Without integration, I just kept getting worse and worse.” This focus on holistic health came after her ECT experience.

She now sees a behavioral specialist for her OCD and incorporates “little bits and pieces of everything along the way” to “flip [her] life on its ass.” Jackson also noted that she has remained sober for six years, underscoring a broader commitment to mental‑wellness.

On the album cover for *Happiest Day of My Life*, Jackson’s choice of imagery—a bite guard visible in her mouth—serves as a visual testament to her therapy. She said the photo was inspired by her real‑world treatment and is meant to reflect how painful yet transformative the ECT process was for her.

Her discussion on “Call Her Daddy” last week also touched on reaching for external support to manage life’s challenges, from substance use to self‑harm, highlighting her continued effort to seek help.

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## Looking Ahead

Paris Jackson continues to promote her album while openly discussing her mental‑health struggles. In addition to the ECT discussion, she has highlighted a personal history of seeking various therapeutic avenues and remains focused on holistic health practices.

Her current regimen includes visits with a behavioral specialist for OCD, ongoing integration of past therapies, and an emphasis on sustainability in her healing journey.

Jackson’s openness about her experiences offers a rare glimpse into the difficulties faced by public figures dealing with depression and suicidal ideation. While she has not publicly commented on future plans beyond her album tour, her candidness suggests a continued advocacy for mental‑health awareness and treatment options.

The conversation underscores that even after severe depression, patients may find relief through multiple paths, including electroconvulsive therapy—if approached carefully and integrated with ongoing support.

Paris Jackson’s story reminds listeners that recovery can involve a mosaic of treatments, each playing a part in restoring mental balance.