i just wanted to say that though i Hate taking these medicines, the xanax and ativan have been the only way i have been able to survive. there have been 2 times since coming off the pill that i have had these terrible episodes of severe depression, thoughts of suicide and hopelessness - scary - and taking the xanax or ativan have been able to calm me down and put me to sleep. i know its putting more chemicals in your body, but for me it was the only thing that helped. For me I have also had to take them daily (only .25mg) for a few weeks at a time as I would feel very anxious and scared almost every night. - I went to my Gyno and told her what was going on about one month or so after going off the pill when i started feeling these things and she promised me i would get back to normal - but what really impressed me is that she said that too many women are prescribed anti-depressants when it is totally unnecessary! she said to take my xanax when i needed it. And eventually i will be back to normal. so ladies stay positive and know that you can do it, i know its scary and awful and unbearable and you dont feel like yourself at all - i too was always positive, energetic and happy - it will get better, this is my 3rd month off the pills and it has gotten better, but i am not back to my old self yet. - I can wait for the day I look back on all of this and can't even remember what it felt like!