2 months smoke free and anxiety/depression is still here? Is this normal?
This is my first post. I am just over 2 months smoke free today. I very worried that I may slip and smoke again. I would really like to say That after 2 months I no longer have the cravings, but I feel that it may be the only thing to relax me.
I feel everyday is a fight to stay happy. Am I the only one out there that is still having these feelings of depression after 2 months of being smoke free? Do they typically lessen or go away after a few months? Does anyone know when they typically subside?
Any suggestions on how to deal with depression and not sleeping through the night? Its been a while and I am scared because I am starting to think there is something wrong with me. I really don't want to take any medications, but if this is not normal then perhaps I need to see someone about a potential emotional problem. Perhaps my smoking cigarettes allowed me to cope with depression before and now without cigarettes I can't cope? ..Thanks for any help...
Did you read the Alan Carr book "The Easier Way To Quit Smoking" ? It isn't about fighting yourself. It is about letting fleeting thoughts go. Putting positive ones in its place, also about being happier your not a smoker and an breaking the trap of addiction. very good book.
A LOT of us self-medicated with nicotine. I think a check-up with your doctor might be in order to talk it over. Smoking alters our body chemistry, and you have altered it again by quitting. It's a GOOD thing!
Smoking is NEVER the answer. All a cigarette does for you is give you a respite from the ever-needy receptors in your brain demanding their next fix. LOTS of ways you can get that dopamine: brisk exercise, sex, chocolate, dancing, singing aloud to your favorite music----and none of those things will give you COPD!
Don't give up the fight - you will be glad you kept at it!
Perhaps you may want to "heal" the emotional issues to help you through the slight struggles with nicotine withdrawal. Sometimes a little "soul searching" via meditation or perhaps a therapist. I am by NO MEANS saying you should start smoking till you have a grasp on that layer of your persona. As said by others here, cigarettes DO NOT relax you! That is an illusion, a state of mind that you have gotten comfortable with to feed your cravings when you start to detox.
Whichever direction you choose to conquer this issues......I KNOW YOU CAN !!
I suggest that you give yourself 4 Months quit before you decide that your anxiety/depression is caused by quitting - I expect you will change your mind.
Have you mentioned this to your physician? I recommend that all quits be supervised my a Medical Doctor who can help you deal with withdrawal symptoms and sort what is and isn't caused by quitting.
Keep working on your Quititude! You don't want to have to do these last 2 Months again and it does get easier each day going forward!
Thanks
