I'm thinking of switching from my birth control pill to the non-hormonal IUD. I've been on the pill for almost 6 years, but lately I wonder whether the hormones are negatively affecting me. Some of the side effects of hormonal birth control are mood changes, depression, and decreased libido. There is also research that suggests the pill may alter some brain structures. Check it out: https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/oral-contraceptive-pill-associated-changes-brain-structure/ I know that switching won't make all my anxiety disappear--I had anxiety before starting the pill. But it's possible the pill might be adding to these mental health issues I already have. For my fellow birth control users, how do you feel about the effects hormonal contraceptives could have on your OCD & mental health?

As my current mental health has definitely reached a new low, I will probably soon start with medication. However, since I am actually somewhat afraid of the typical side effects of antidepressants and mood-stabilizers, I wanted to ask anyone who is or has been taking medication for OCD and or depression (and mood-swings). I recently got also diagnosed with depression (I’ll be further tested for burnout) and I also suffer from pretty intense mood swings and anxiety, both really draining the last bit of energy that I currently have. You can honestly be as specific and descriptive as you want since I don’t know any people in my personal life that take any medication for their mental health and I’m genuinely curious about side effects, how long the different meds take to kick in, etc. The only meds I’m familiar with are beta blockers, specifically bisoprolol but I want to switch to propranolol.

Hey everyone, I’m curious if anyone here is managing their OCD without SSRIs. I’ve personally struggled with side effects in the past such as low libido and emotional numbness. I have plans to have a family and kids in the future, so SSRIs don’t feel like a long-term solution for me—I’m especially afraid of PSSD (post-SSRI sexual dysfunction). Are any of you managing OCD with alternatives like Wellbutrin, SNRIs, Adderall, NAC, Myo-inositol or any other supplements. Even approaches like the ketogenic diet or other functional methods? I read some studies about how Keto diet has helped some people put their OCD in remission. I’d love to hear what’s actually working for you. Trigger Warning: Sometimes hearing that people can’t manage OCD without SSRIs can be discouraging, but I’m staying hopeful that there are sustainable alternatives out there. Thanks in advance for sharing.

My ex and I were definitely not the best match for each other, even though we convinced ourselves we were for nearly seven years. We said some things to each other we probably both still carry on now. One thing he’d tell me always was that I was mean when we fought/argued. But I only ever got that way when he didn’t listen…cause when I did soften my tone, or showed my vulnerable opinions he never took it seriously. I’ve realized over the years that my OCD usually gets heightened/worse either when I’m stressed, PMSing, or am on an estrogen related birth control. Sadly my life has changed drastically and so near the beginning of this month I switched to an estrogen/progesterone combined birth control pill. It has been great so far, up until this past week. My current boyfriend truly is a saint, and is the genuinely sweetest men I have ever had the privilege of knowing. But, I still get angry. Thankfully I never EVER get angry at him. I will talk my feelings out to myself (like at my job when I’m alone or in the car on the way to him) and work out my anger before I even see him: cause 9/10 times…it’s all in my head, with whatever is wrong. I’m just so worried that 1) one day that angry and mean side of me will come out again. I never ever want to make him cry, or make him feel unworthy (which is how my ex told me how I made him felt) and 2) that he’ll see me for who I ‘truly am’. He swears to me that I’m a sweet girl, and that I don’t have an angry bone in my body. But I see how agitated I get, I see how bitter I can be. I don’t know what to do. I’m so scared of hurting him. I’ve been nonstop thinking about this past week and I just want relief or a break from me.