I am writing this so that all of you young ladies who are either, considering trying the patch, or who are on the patch but cant understand why you feel like you might burst into tears or throw something across the room at any moment, realize that you are not alone.

About nine months ago I started using ortho-evra (i've been off it for almost 4 months) and have, only in the past 1 or 2 months compleltely returned to normal. I have always been more emotional and sensitive around my period, but never have I felt the nubmness, detatchment, or severe obvious depression that I ended up feeling during my final month on ortho-evra. I actually read that some girls expereicned the same symptoms when I read this website and it gave me such releif and comfort to know I wasnt alone.

After the first few weeks on the patch I couldnt put my finger on what was bothering me, but I ignored it. But as the weeks progressed, I worsened. Literally to the point of not getting out of bed, having anxiety attacks, crying constantly, feeling hopeless and so severely angry that I began cutting. Then eventually I was feeling nothing at all...I began not washing my hair, not going to work, and not even caring enough to call. This is not me. I'm one of those girls who dont go to the grocery store without earrings and makeup. But I couldnt shake it.

I read that some of you burst out at your boyfriends. Some boyfriends have even written in saying that they dont know what to do to help their girls. I just want you ladies, and gents, to know that if it is that patch that you suspect may be affecting these feelings, it will get better when u go off it, I swear. And you girls who have a guy who cares enough to be there through this, thank him, cause some guys wouldnt bother. And if your boyfriend doesnt understand it, the last thing any girl needs is a guy who cant handle emotion, go find a real guy, its totally worth it.

I just wanted to share my ortho-evra experience, and I hope that it helps someone to know they arent alone.