Does anyone know if birth control could be contributing to some of the emotional craziness? With all the hormones getting released from fat stores and your body being regulated by the pill, you might actually get some side effects you previously never had???? Maybe that is contributing more for some than others...I don't know, just a thought.

i missed you posting a new avatar....you are so pretty!! i love your new picture!! keep up your great work!

I'm so glad you made this thread. I have been so down lately. My emotions are ruining wild, I feel like I'm losing it! It's nice to know I'm not alone. I just need to fight through it and keep going! This will all be worth it!!

Good to see your smiling face. You have been missed by many. Just keep doing what you have always done best, lady. You are very talented and oh so creative. I miss your enthusiasm.

Just remember, you are hormonal and going through huge changes...if you feel safe, explain to those around you that you are trying not to "swallow" your feelings, and that you are trying to find a better way to express them - can they be patient with you right now?

Hold tight to loving yourself, and taking care of yourself!

I told my husband one night that part of my weight problem was HIM, because he "couldn't handle" me expressing the full range of my emotions! I think I called him an emotional cripple...so yes, I really DO get it!

Thanks ladies, you guys are making me tear up a little! (See, still very emotional...LOL)

I too still get emotional and 'down' some days, though not often thankfully! I believe it is def a part of learning new eating habits & new coping skills, as well as the hormonal effect. I'm in my mid-50s, had a complete hysterectomy in my late 30s, and was really upset when I began having so many hot flashes on IP. Am still having them, though they are becoming less frequent now.

Hang in there, this too shall pass, and you will be so glad you stuck it out!

Thank you all for posting. I am in Week 3 and having been feeling really depressed since about Day 5. I had a cheat day 2 days ago and, other than the guilt, I felt more calm than I had felt since starting. It was probably the carbs. Does anyone have any suggestions for getting that lovely serotonin rush without eating the carbs? I'm already on an antidepressant. Thanks!

I tend towards the chocolate IP products.

I have found that a 30 minute SLOW walk outside really helps my mood!

Tiggywinkle (love the name)!
If you are already on antidepressants (for sluggish serotonin production), I would talk to your counselor/psychiatrist about perhaps bumping them up a little while on IP. I actually did that & it helped. Hugs!

bright sunlight or a light therapy lamp helps me.
and exercise. (controversial on this diet, i know)

I have been on an IP for two weeks now and thought I was losing my mind! I am not normally an emotional person and this past week has been terrible for me!!!! I've done great an am down 14lbs I have 64more lbs to lose. But my emotions are all over the place. Does this feeling go away?

I usually have a "big mouth" in general, so my "advice" here is just from experience --no offence intended - I just want to say that the world is not on this journey with you, so everyone else may NOT understand your "lack of filter" and you may really hurt some people or tick someone off, and they may not even know what you're going through right now. If you feel like a bully, or that you said a bit too much, would it hurt to go back today and apologize -- not changing your opinion -- but for how you expressed your opinion? People accept PMS as some reason for being crabby etc.-- hormonal issues are legit. If you say you're not yourself these days and apologize what can that hurt (other than a bit o' pride I guess). What's the old expression? Something about attracting more bees with honey than with vinegar or something like that? Keep your words sweet, for one day you may have to eat them. (Hey- did I make that one up or is that another "oldie"? It seems pretty good to be my own original thought, but if it is I'll need to start making bumper stickers! LOL)

I am so happy to have read this post and all the responses. I suffer from GAD with panic and take 10mg of Lexapro everyday. Since starting this diet, I have been so depressed and anxious. In fact, there were even several days where I had to take a xanax because I thought I was going to have a breakdown. Anyways, I just want to throw out there that food is such a ritual in our lives and present for all occasions. Even though I was not a "bad" eater prior to IP, cooking, eating, etc. was such part of my life. I would look forward to coming home each day, preparing dinner with my husband, and eating together. It was such a sense of comfort and we enjoyed the company that food and concersation brought. Not having that of course impacts your mental health because it is a change, even if it's positive. That being said, I do agree that a release of fat, which stores hormones, can also contribute to feeling depressed. What I think is most helpful is doing something each day that rewards your dedication even if its taking a bath or indulging in a trashy celeb mag. whatever, celebrate and creat joy each day (ummmm...still working on this myself). Good luck to all of you. I cannot say enough how much I appreciate coming accross this post. I know I am not alone in this journey.