feeling depressed after becoming atheist

[Angrboda]

First, let me preface by saying that I am not a doctor or healthcare professional, so take any advice profferred with a huge grain of salt; if in doubt, consult an actual professional first, before following any advice from non-professionals like myself.

Grief and depression are natural responses to stress and change. You've moved into something new, yet also left behind what was likely comforting and familar. That loss has to be dealt with, whether it was a real, tangible thing, or merely an appearance that you'd grown accustomed to. I am not a doctor, but I would suggest that the grief and depression will resolve itself over time. Grief accompanying great change is natural.

I see a range of responses among atheists, from shock and fear at the absence of a tangible source of meaning (what one referred to as "facing oblivion"), to atheists who are closer to my own view, that life itself is meaningful enough on its own.

It will likely take time to get used to having left behind that which was left behind, and to acquire new comforts that come from a humanistic and non-religious worldview.

I'd suggest there are likely three stages involved. First, when the loss is acute because you are too close to the separation, and are measuring everything against that backdrop. Second, a deeper sense of loss as you come to terms with the fact that you have suffered a loss, and it will take time for your body's own healing processes to deal with it; this is the grief reaction, and should resolve itself on its own over time. If it does not, seek professional counsel. The third is the slow process of replacing what was lost with things which can ably take their place, by building new truths from your new culture into your world.

If any of this rings true, I would suggest several things. One, devote time to learning about atheism and related cultures (humanism, secularism, skepticism), from reading books to watching Youtube videos; anything to educate yourself. Write about your feelings and thoughts; journal. Talk to people about it; forums aren't particularly helpful in this regard, as they are rather detached from you — seek out groups or professionals in your community you can talk with. Get involved; nothing grounds a person better than doing good, helping others, and sharing one's self.

This last I hesitate to mention, but if the above is on the mark, maybe. You might investigate the nature of grief in general, on the supposition that it might help place your feelings in context. This may or may not be useful for you, but Elizabeth Kubler-Ross' work on the five stages may be relevant, as it is a similar process.