Anyone else have this happen? I'm so emotional..tears :(

newbies
#1

Hi everyone! I am new to Keto, about a month and a half in and I have noticed I sleep so much better, no melatonin needed anymore! It’s also cleared up ALL heartburn that I’d have daily!! I feel amazing! I’m now down about 12 lbs. Only one thing, I’m noticing that I’m quite emotional lately, everyday stress seems to be effecting me like a storm and I was wondering, is the any studies or anyone else out there who has noticed anything like this? Could this be from Keto? Does Keto cause any types of changes in brain chemicals?? Like effecting depression or possibly bi-polar moods?? I’m just looking for answers, any insight would be GREATLY appreciated!

Edit: I guess I wanted to add, does the emotional “waves” ever stop occurring?

#2

I was extremely extremely extremely emotional and easily stressed/upset when I was making my first transition into Ketosis. I dont have any explanation for why but maybe a guess would be the sugar withdrawal process since it was like a drug for so long.

(Jessica) #3

My theory is that for women, it’s a hormonal thing. My periods went wonky when I started and was emotional.

#4

I would definitely agree with that, but it wouldn’t apply to me since I had a hysterectomy 11 years ago… :frowning:

(Robert C) #5

Keto can bring about a lot of clarity (cutting back on brain fog).

It might just be that pre-keto you bacame used to some amount of brain fog (carb coma) and that now, with much more clarity, you are feeling some discomfort - just because you are not used to it (so it seems like a problem instead of a good change).

I think it will pass as it becomes your new norm.
I think that, after that, if you went back on carbs - you’d have the same bad feeling in reverse - “why all this brain fogginess?”.

(Jessica) #6

No, totally would still apply. My thought is that those hormones are stored in your fat, from years and years ago. You are releasing them now.

(Alex ) #7

I can relate, and sort of identify with the emotional outpouring @TxTwin1

In my case, I’ve given up alcohol and carby crap food (as we all have to some degree) but for me the stress of life still hits me the same with the " I need a drink / I need crappy food " triggers.

Because I don’t give in to that any more or have the above cruxes available to make me feel better, I’m left with big emotional waves that come and go naturally that I have to ride out.

Also, in a fasted state, mid afternoon, if anything happens, the additional brain clarity and focus I seem to have makes it even more intense when something stressy is on my mind - it’s like it opens me up even more than it normally would!

#9

Thank you! I’ve downloaded Calm and it is a good start, I think it’ll help a lot more! Everyone gives me so much hope!

(Heather Meyer) #11

I’m not finding Keto to cause stress… however… i find my job very stressful and so being on Keto means my original coping mechanism(eating) is no longer working for me to cope…which means i am more emotional and i am more depressed and i am more easily irritated.

So now i have to find a new coping mechanism for stress other than eating. I think it suck when your stressed cause it generally causes more fatigue BUT i know exercise works wonders for stress especially if its exercise you enjoy. For me…its swimming. If i swim… i feel relaxed. The gym and weights increase my stress abd then i feel better but only after.

#12

Have you been low carb at all before your 1 month of keto? @PortHardy has mentioned this already but just wanted to add my 2 cents-I know when I first went low carb I felt like I lost a friend! I had never realized how much I was using carbs as an emotional crutch. Upset? Stressed? Have a twix bar, that will fix it! I didn’t even realize I was doing it. If thats the case for you, you are going to have to find a healthier way to deal with stress.

(Kathleen Rose) #13

I definitely have this right now-really depressed and crying for the first time in a very long time. There’s no real reason, hopefully it will subside soon.

#14

I’m saying a prayer that you find comfort and no more tears! It sounds like it should run its course…hang in there!!

(Frank) #15

I’m finding that this keto woe seems like my cutting edge has been sharpened. Mental focus, physical performance, smell, taste, emotions all seem to be just more sensitive and responsive than pre keto. Emotions aren’t always a bad thing unless of course they become excessive. I certainly feel much more contemplative about my future In a good way. The thought that spending more healthy years with my wife, children, and future grandchildren makes me well up.

(Katie the Quiche Scoffing Stick Ninja ) #16

I can only report that my mental health has majorly improved.
Regarding your hormones, as @jessOTR mentioned; When you initially burn through a bunch of fat, the estrogen stored in your fat is released. When it is released in conjunction with the estrogen normally released from your monthly ovulation, it can cause a surge greater than your uterus is used to, causing abnormal bleeding. It can also cause a heightened emotional state.

(Running from stupidity) #17

#secondopinionrequired