Hormonal Contraceptives & Postpartum Mental Health: A Personal Account

Question
My husband and I just had our first child in February 2010.  We originally planned on having 3 children, but since our son have considered otherwise.  I started out on Nuva Ring about 2 weeks after giving birth, only to start having rage attacks and severe depression.  I have a history of depression, involving self mutilation, suicide attempts and drug abuse, but have struggled ever since 2007 to not continue down that road.  Anyway, I was diagnosed with PPD and put on medications.  During that time I had the ring taken out, then got off the medications.  In May 2010 I got Mirena as a contraceptive and have been getting the same side affects, it's just taken longer for them to show.  I had used pills before even meeting my husband years ago; I didn't like the weight gain at all and was also getting depression.  I want the Mirena out - it's affecting my marriage that I'm so angry and sad all the time - but obviously hormonal contraceptives are out of the question, and condoms/diaphragms aren't so...attractive.  We're considering a vasectomy or tubal ligation, but we're not 100% SURE we don't want any more kids.  Is there anything that might work?  What's the likelihood of reversing a tubal ligation and successfully getting pregnant?  I only have 1 ovary (the other was removed due to a cyst tipping it for too long), and I know I'm fertile.  Would a band be easier to reverse?  We're discouraged by the lack of options there are for us, but I need this thing OUT.  HELP!!!!!

Answer
I doubt that the hormonal contraceptives have much to do with your symptoms, but perhaps they do.  Maybe you're especially sensitive to the tiny amounts of progesterone released by the Mirena.  Once you're on no hormones, I guess you'll find out how much difference that makes.  Either a vasectomy or tubal ligation should be considered a permanent procedure.  They can both be reversed, but it's much more difficult to reverse them than to do them, and you're never sure about the results.  The band is probably easier to reverse than the clip, and either are easier to reverse than cautery (burning the tube).  I would suggest using foam or condoms or a diaphragm until you're completely sure you don't want more children.  Best wishes.