By Dorothy Herson
In my 9-year battle with bipolar disorder, I’ve explored a variety of treatments - from medication and therapy to lifestyle changes. A couple of years ago I experimented with the ketogenic (keto) diet, which has garnered attention for its potential benefits in stabilising mood disorders.
In October 2023, I found myself in a frustratingly familiar position: caught in the grip of a manic episode. After months of abstaining from caffeine, and recreational drugs and committing to therapy, I was still struggling to regain control over my moods.
It was during this challenging period that I came across Matt Baszucki, a tech billionaire’s son who says he found remission from bipolar after adopting the keto diet. Intrigued by his success, I decided to give it a try.
Keto diet basics
The keto diet is characterised by a high-fat, low-carb approach that shifts the body’s metabolism from burning glucose to burning fat for fuel. This process, known as ketosis, is said to enhance mental clarity and stabilise mood.
Despite my longstanding love for sugar - an affinity often linked to bipolar disorder - I was willing to try anything.
The benefits of keto
Almost immediately after starting the keto diet, I noticed significant changes. My manic symptoms - racing thoughts and excess energy - began to subside.
My mind felt clearer, and I could maintain a more consistent energy level throughout the day without the typical crashes. I was no longer experiencing sugar-induced highs and lows.
Meal planning quickly became an essential part of my routine. No longer could I rely on comfort foods like pasta and pizza. Instead, I found myself preparing meals centred around meats, healthy fats, and low-carb vegetables.
The diet required diligence, but it also provided a sense of stability. I even lost 5kg, an unexpected benefit, though weight loss wasn’t my primary goal.
The downside of keto
However, the keto diet wasn’t the cure-all I had hoped for. While it appeared to alleviate some of my manic symptoms, it offered little relief for my depression. In fact, it may have even exacerbated it.
The rigid nature of the diet became a source of considerable stress. I became obsessively focused on counting carbs and meticulously tracking every bite, which sparked an unhealthy preoccupation with food and reignited an old eating disorder. Socially, I withdrew - avoiding events that involved food became my new normal. The result? A deepening of my depressive symptoms.
On top of that, I experienced several physical side effects that only compounded my mental health struggles. The so-called ‘keto flu,’ which includes headaches, fatigue and irritability, was difficult to bear. I also lost hair, which significantly impacted my self-esteem. And, to add to the stress, my cholesterol levels spiked - triggering further anxiety.
A new approach
After eight months on the keto diet, I stopped. While it had been effective in managing my manic episodes, it did little for my depression and introduced new challenges - social isolation, weight obsession and physical discomfort.
I returned to my medication regimen, including fluoxetine, and soon noticed an improvement in my mood.
For some, the keto diet may offer benefits, particularly for those dealing with mania. However, for me, a more balanced approach - one that includes medication, proper sleep, regular exercise, and a varied, nutritious diet - has proven to be far more effective.
While dietary changes can sometimes yield unexpected side effects, it's important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. Ultimately, the key lies in the ongoing process of finding what truly sustains and stabilises us.
Last updated: 19 March 2025