Paris Jackson details electroshock therapy after suicide attempts

Paris Jackson, the daughter of the late pop icon Michael Jackson, revealed on a podcast that she underwent electroconvulsive therapy after coming close to another suicide attempt, opening up about a mental health battle that has included multiple attempts dating back to age 15.

Ms. Jackson, 28, discussed the treatment during an episode of Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast published Monday, saying she completed nine ECT sessions over three weeks after reaching a breaking point in her depression.

“It’s not as barbaric as it used to be,” she recalled her doctor telling her, according to HOLA! USA, which reported that the procedure is now performed under general anesthesia.

The singer said the first sessions were physically painful as doctors worked out the right post-treatment pain medication, and that she experienced memory loss afterward, at one point unable to recall friends’ visits despite evidence they had occurred. Ms. Jackson said she ultimately responded to the treatment but did not want to continue it indefinitely.

The experience inspired the cover art for her upcoming sophomore album, “Happiest Day of My Life,” due out Friday, on Republic Records. The image depicts her wearing a bite guard, evoking her ECT treatment.

TMZ reported that Ms. Jackson has attempted suicide multiple times, including in 2013 at age 15. She has said she has been sober for six years and has tried numerous medications and forms of therapy. She now emphasizes holistic health practices.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.