Navigating your mood as your body changes

Losing your usual comforts

Food does a lot of heavy lifting in our lives. It celebrates big milestones. It gives a boring Tuesday afternoon some structure. We learn very early on to use a sweet treat as a reward for just getting through the day.

When your medication turns down the food noise, it also removes a major coping mechanism. That quiet space can feel peaceful. It can also feel incredibly lonely. You might find yourself wandering into the kitchen at night out of pure habit, opening the cupboards and realising nothing looks appealing.

You are having to learn how to comfort yourself all over again. That takes energy. It is entirely normal to feel grumpy or untethered while you figure it out.

The mirror catching up

Your body is changing but your brain might still be seeing the old you. This happens to so many women. You put on a jumper that fits again and feel great for five minutes. Then you catch your reflection in a shop window and feel completely disconnected from the person looking back.

Changing size shifts how you move through the world. People might treat you differently. They might smile more or hold doors open. This is both nice and profoundly irritating. It makes you wonder why they could not be that kind to you a year ago.

This shift in identity is exhausting. You are allowed to feel resentful instead of joyful. Do not let anyone tell you that you should just be happy you are shrinking. Your feelings are far more complex than that.

Physical changes and your brain

Eating less means your blood sugar behaves differently throughout the day. Lower energy levels can easily mimic feeling low or depressed. If you are suddenly eating far fewer calories, your brain might just be tired and asking for a rest.

Your body is going through a massive transition. It is using up energy stores and adapting to new medications. Feeling a bit foggy or emotional is part of the process.

Please remember to talk to your doctor if a low mood persists. Fitivve is here for your lifestyle habits. But only your clinician can help you understand if your medication dosage or underlying health needs looking at. Never try to push through dark feelings on your own. Always make that appointment.

Navigating social situations

Going out with friends often revolves around eating and drinking. When you cannot finish your main course or you skip the wine, people notice. Sometimes they make comments.

Having to explain your changing appetite to friends or colleagues is draining. You might find yourself avoiding dinners out just to skip the conversation entirely. This isolation can make a low mood even worse.

You do not owe anyone an explanation about your health. It is perfectly fine to say you are just listening to your body right now and change the subject.

Finding new anchors

You need new ways to signal that the workday is done or that it is time to relax. You have to build new habits to replace the old ones.

This does not have to mean taking up marathon running. It just means finding small things that tell your brain it is safe to unwind. Try to pick just one new idea this week and see how it feels.

• Calling a friend for a ten minute vent on your walk home from work.
• Lighting a really nice candle while you watch television.
• Doing a short jigsaw puzzle to keep your hands busy in the evening.
• Having a warm bath with Epsom salts instead of opening the fridge.
• Going for a short stroll around the block right after dinner.