Birth Control & Depression

[babygirl87]

Hello, I am 20 years old and I am in college, I started taking Yasmin birth control about 6 months ago. I have never been an overly-emotional or person nor have I ever dealt with depression. Depression doesn't run in my family either, overall I am a pretty happy-go-lucky girl.

However, when I started taking Yasmin I noticed I would get extra emotional usually around my period, or I would get angry and snap for no reason. This is not how I normally act. I have never been on birthcontrol before, until I was 19 and I always had regular periods, and hardly any cramps. I started taking Yasmin because I would kinda break out around my period and I thought that would clear it up. Now my face breaks out all the time, and that adds to my depression and feeling bad about myself. This past week was the worst, I started my period and got so emotional I started crying while I was driving down the highway, for no reason. I had 2 panic attacks (never had one before) and I kept having thoughts I was going to die. I would never commit suicide, but I am always feeling anxious. I do not want to sound crazy because Im not but, do you know how painful it is to feel like you cannot control your own emotions? I am a healthy 20 year old and I just had the realization that since I take no other medication the birth control had to be the cause of my depression and anxiety. Not to mention my vagina has felt so dry that it almost burns to pee, and I cannot wear a tampon. When I have sex with my boyfriend, I want to enjoy it but I can't because it is so dry, I am willing to trade having my sex life back over a lighter period, not to mention the constant yeast infections.  

Last December I forgot to take my pill, I also thought I was pregnant. But i felt great, I was happy and the feelings I had seemed to be gone. I started my period so I wasn't pregnant but I definetly had all the symptoms of pregnancy, other than a positive pt. So then I went back on the pill and thats when the rollercoaster of emotion began again, not to mention i was a little disapointed about not being pregnant.

I went to the doctor yesterday and she told me that the pill is what is causing me to feel this way, and she gave me some anxiety medicine until I start to feel a little better. She also told me to stop the Yasmin.

I guess what I want to know is, has anyone else experienced this?  Please...I just want to know im not alone.
Thanks.

[wannabmombad]

If you are looking for a bc pill try Lybrel.  It is continuous and you don't have a period.  So, with all the symptoms that you are describing, you would have to assume would go  away because you are eliminating the cycle.  It is a good bc pill.

[babyalive]

BC pills could defintely be contributing to your emotional stress and depression.  But, being in college, being away from home & family can also cause the feelings your having.  I too cannot take bc pills because they make me an emotional basket case and take all the joy out of sex for me.  So, it's a good thing you've quit taking the pill since it could be causing your problems.  There are lots of other forms of bc.  I've forgotten the name of the newest one I've seen advertised on television but it involves inserting something into the opening of your cervix to prevent sperm from entering it.  Ask your dr. about it.  I hope things get better for you.