Help...depressed

[BrownBear]

I've been on atkins for a little over a month now and I've noticed a dramatic difference in my moods. The first two weeks I felt more confident about myself and I was in a much better mood than usual. These last three weeks have been nothing but miserable. I've been depressed and very very moody. My fiance and family can hardly stand to be around me. I also haven't had any sex drive. I posted something earlier about this but most people just cracked jokes so hopefully I can get some serious heartfelt answers. I am seriously thinking about going back to eating carbs just to get myself out of this rut. I am getting married in September so this is supposed to be a happy time in my life. Instead I am just miserable! I eat about 15-20 carbs a day and eat salad with every meal. I don't know what else to do. I've been at the same weight for the past two weeks also. I initially lost 9 lbs and now I haven't budged at all. I want to lose weight on this diet but I also want to be happy...anyone else go through this and have some suggestions on how to get out of this rut? Thanks!

[Quiltlady]

Brownbear,

Have you completed your two week induction? I assume you have if you have been on Atkins for almost a month--but this is important to know. If you are through with your induction- I personally believe that you are not eating enough.
What is your typical days food consumption? It may be that if you add more carbs and fat, you will start to feel better.

When I first started Atkins, I found the first month to be very hard to get through. I started adding more "legal" food and upping my fats--then I started feeling a lot better. I went through "brain-fog" for a while until I found the correct amount for me to eat. Everyone is different, but I believe you have to eat "comfortably" to continue to stay on this way of life. I eat more than 30 carbs a day and I still lose weight. Some days I eat more than that. You have to find your correct "number" that is right for you to continue to lose weight.
You might be surprised- because when I first added more food and upped my fats- I immediately lost much faster. Atkins talks about this in his book.

Have you read Atkins book entirely? If not, get it and read it all--because it explains things that won't make any sense to a typical dieter.

Make sure you take vitamins. Your brain needs it --and that may help with depression.

If you cook- look over all the wonderful Low Carb recipes that you can make and enjoy. I really think you are under eating. If you get a chance, give us an idea what you normally eat. Maybe someone can help you - so you can start feeling a lot better.

This should be a happy time for you. It is wonderful that you can be planning your wedding. Don't be so hard on yourself either. We all go through "stalls"- and then all of a sudden you may drop 6 or 8 pounds.

This is a wonderful site to get help from. We are all in the same boat. It is hard to get weight off--but low carb is a lot easier once you figure out the correct way for your own body. I have fought weight all of my life -- and it is a real battle. I feel good at this point in the will to win this weight war with low carb eating.

Keep your chin up. :thup:

We are all here for you.

Quiltlady :angel:

[muweek]

Hi BrownBear!

Isnt is awful when you lose alot at the beginning then seem to stop?? I had a bit of a rant myself yesterday but am feeling better today..feel free to drop in and read my journal.

From what I have read on here, some people say to increase your carbs a bit..maybe that anount is too low for you?? My moods went the opposite way so Im trying to figure out what might work..are you taking vitamines?? Very important becuase you are not getting the vitamins and nutrients from fruit and starch veggies and you really need that. Without these, plus the stress of planning a wedding, would leave anyone feeling miserable. Drinking lots of water to flush everything out..I read we should have 8- 8oz glasses per day plus 1 8 oz glass extra for every 25 pounds you want to lose.
Reread parts of his book and maybe something will jump out at you..I seem to pick up something new each time I thumb thru it.

There are quite a few posts about loss of sex drive..I have seen them there before so you might have to go back a few pages and just search..thats about all I can think of.
Sorry I cant be more help but I wanted to at least offer something! Keep it up though, its worth it.

[Agnes]

Dear Brownbear,

first and foremost, how long have you been depressed? Has your mood changed from not so good to worse, or is this a sudden, never before encountered, condition? Chances are, if you have been depressed before, the changes are just worsening something that was on its way. I have a very well controlled depression, but usually around this period of the year, I get irritable and a bit melancholy. Whether or not you have been depressed before, I strongly advise you to talk to your doctor. Depression is a very serious contition, too often overlooked and untreated.

So please keep us posted.

[armywife3]

I self medicated for years with food. I have a long history of depression in my family. I avoided taking antidepressants by self medicating with high carbs. When I came off the carbs my depression kicked in full force. I would also go back on the carbs to get relief. Finally I got on medication for my depression and now I can survive eating low carb. Otherwise I could not have. Just have to treat the condition with the right medication...instead of donuts I take an antidepressant.