First month on birth control and it's making my depression and anxiety worse?!
Question: First month on birth control and it's making my depression and anxiety worse.?
My boyfriend and I have been dating for almost two months now. So that I won't make the same mistake my brother did with his girlfriend (now wife), I decided to go on the pill. From what I understand, it takes about a full month, and going through the first pack of pills for the birth control to be fully effective against pregnancy--that's why I haven't had sex yet. I'm on Ortho Novum, generic version, Necon 1/35. I'm almost through my first pack. I have 21 active pills and 7 sugar pills at the end.
Right now I'm on my second sugar pill, almost done with the first pack and the side effects ARE REALLY ANNOYING!!, especially mood changes:
*My depression and anxiety disorder got worse! I'm more anxious and depressed than usual. Let's just say I've had crying spells, felt very unmotivated, told off my friends, can't concentrate, and along with worsening bad thoughts--I haven't done that before being on the pill. I'm on antidepressants for my disorder, so I wonder if the birth control is conflicting with this and is causing my hormones to be all over the place.? I just can't seem to concentrate and have fun anymore.
My mom's been on the pill before and says this is all in my head and the reason why I'm like this is because of life changes--finishing college, and finding a better job that's full time (I'm now a seasonal employee at Six Flags, will go back next year if no luck). My job search (in graphic design) has been hell. Out of the four months of looking, all I got out of it so far was five interviews, and two invitation calls from insurance companies about sales jobs! I even looked for jobs outside my field like admin/office. My mom says don't beat myself up, treat myself with compassion, the economys really bad, the right job will come, it's not the birth control pill, it's how I react to outside events. I don't see how I can treat myself with compassion if I haven't found my dream job yet.? At least I'm starting an internship-like class tomorrow--that will get me more experience but I'll still feel worthless since the program is unpaid. I feel like such a bum cause I'm not making a good salary yet!
I tell the ppl at Planned Parenthood about my worsening depression and they said that it's normal and that I should stick it out a little longer, and that if it persists, I could try getting a readjustment.
Anyone else's experience on the pill.? I just feel like I could shoot the next person that sets me off and cry uncontrollably, lol. I wonder if it's hormones all over the place.?Health Question & Answer
Right now I'm on my second sugar pill, almost done with the first pack and the side effects ARE REALLY ANNOYING!!, especially mood changes:
*My depression and anxiety disorder got worse! I'm more anxious and depressed than usual. Let's just say I've had crying spells, felt very unmotivated, told off my friends, can't concentrate, and along with worsening bad thoughts--I haven't done that before being on the pill. I'm on antidepressants for my disorder, so I wonder if the birth control is conflicting with this and is causing my hormones to be all over the place.? I just can't seem to concentrate and have fun anymore.
My mom's been on the pill before and says this is all in my head and the reason why I'm like this is because of life changes--finishing college, and finding a better job that's full time (I'm now a seasonal employee at Six Flags, will go back next year if no luck). My job search (in graphic design) has been hell. Out of the four months of looking, all I got out of it so far was five interviews, and two invitation calls from insurance companies about sales jobs! I even looked for jobs outside my field like admin/office. My mom says don't beat myself up, treat myself with compassion, the economys really bad, the right job will come, it's not the birth control pill, it's how I react to outside events. I don't see how I can treat myself with compassion if I haven't found my dream job yet.? At least I'm starting an internship-like class tomorrow--that will get me more experience but I'll still feel worthless since the program is unpaid. I feel like such a bum cause I'm not making a good salary yet!
I tell the ppl at Planned Parenthood about my worsening depression and they said that it's normal and that I should stick it out a little longer, and that if it persists, I could try getting a readjustment.
Anyone else's experience on the pill.? I just feel like I could shoot the next person that sets me off and cry uncontrollably, lol. I wonder if it's hormones all over the place.?Health Question & Answer
Answers:
It's possible that with all the changes going on it's making you emotional. Instead of asking us what to do, call the doctor who prescribed the pill and ask if it's normal. Explain to the dr. what's going on and perhaps you need to try a different pill. It was my understanding that the pill helps with these hormonal imbalances, so perhaps this isn't the right pill for you. Call the dr.
Sorry, I didn't read the whole post... It must be frustrating if the dr. isn't listening. I guess stick it out another month and see it things change. also, do some research online and see what the side effects are for this medication. If you insist on changing medication, the dr. has to listen to you.Health Question & Answer
Sorry, I didn't read the whole post... It must be frustrating if the dr. isn't listening. I guess stick it out another month and see it things change. also, do some research online and see what the side effects are for this medication. If you insist on changing medication, the dr. has to listen to you.Health Question & Answer
In short, it's completely normal. Nothing is wrong with you. It happens to a lot of women when first starting birth control, or switching to a new type or brand. It usually goes away after the first month. If it doesn't, contact planned parenthood again and tell them. As far as depression before birth control... Birth control will bring it out more at times. If you have not told planned parenthood you were taking anti depressants, I strongly recommend you should.Health Question & Answer