4 Months (& 1 day)

[Barbscloud]

I knew how many days I have (123), but didn't realize I celebrated 4 months yesterday.   Early on, when you start out counting days, achieving months are not on your mind.  I am truly excited, but honestly I am feeling even sadder than I was in the beginning.  Is this normal and when will it end?

Thanks for all your support.  I know I wouldn't have gotten this far without it.

Barb

[shashort]

You are doing fabulous and those 4 months and 1 day looks good on you.  I think it is normal to feel somewhat sad still at this stage in your quit. Remember we smoked way longer than 4 months and they were a very big part of our life so you are still adjusting.  You are still in NML and emotions are still running rampant.  What are you thinking that is making you sad?  Try to do something that makes you happy like a hobby, exercise, spending time with family and keep saying out loud how great you are for making 4 months thats a great milestone to be doing the happy dance.  You GOT this keep with NOPE and one day at a time and know you will reach the freedom point. 

[YoungAtHeart]

A lot of people self medicated for underlying mental health issues with smoking.  That hit of dopamine you got from each puff was medicinal.   If the sadness continues, I would check with your doctor.  While it is normal to have an adjustment period after you quit, I think you should be feeling a tad better by now.

Hang in there - do try what Sharon suggested above.  Brisk exercise, singing out loud or dancing to some of your favorite music, a bit of chocolate can help replace the dopamine you are missing.

Nancy

[AnnetteMM]

My go-to question is always, "what else has changed?"  For example, when I quit I no longer had a reason to drive 45 minutes to the Seneca Nation Reservation.  I always liked that drive, plus they have cheaper gas and cool shops.  But they primarily sell Reservation brand cigarettes for $20 a carton.  I could just shake it off, but I'd rather take five minutes to think about it and feel a little sad at the loss, and then never think about it again.

So...what else has changed?

[karenjones]

You are just a couple of days ahead of me and I know exactally how you feel. these past few days I have been thinking ' I could smoke just one cigarette. But |I know I can't. And I know that the feeling will pass. I know right now, if I had one cigarette, I wouldn;t be able to do anything the rest of the day. it would make me really dizzy and very tired. And very depressed to know that I smoked a cigarette and everyone knows you can't smoke just one. so hang in there, you will feel different tomorrow or in just another hour. Smoking is so horrid, you would be even more sad and depressed if you smoked. And you don't. and that is something to be happy aabout, that you can breathe. that you don't stink, that you didn't ruin your health today, that you didn't waste money , that you don';t feel guilty and all screwed up because you smoked.  You are strong and healthy. Focus on that. And have a great day. Things are looking up.  You could still be smoking and you aren't and that is really wonderful.  bless. 

[Barbara145]

When I had been quit for one year I still wasn't where I wanted to be emotionally.  I made an appointment with a psychologist.   she said, "It has only been one year!"  Somehow that was eye-opening for me.  So glad I did not give up.  At some point it just gets better and better.  Smile, you are doing great. 

[freeneasy]

Life After You Quit Smoking  This article contains some information on how nicotine affects the way the body metabolizes certain medications and other substances like caffeine. So if you are taking certain meds,  stopping may affect how you feel and your emotions. 

[JonesCarpeDiem]

I didn't know I was free until day 128.

Long term sadness sounds like it's from more than quitting smoking.

[Jennifer-Quit]

Congratulations on 4 months plus a day!

[JACKIE1-25-15]

Some sadness may come from not having done it sooner.  Looking at days quit sometimes can look like you still haven't done enough.  These feelings subside when you truly celebrate the freedom and not look at the past. Quitting smoking is a healing process, mentally, emotionally, physically and financially of letting go of the guilt and shame.   Enjoy the healing. Continue to be proud of wherever you are no matter what day it is because each one is a sign of freedom.  Congrats. 

[maryfreecig]

      Feeling sad for yesterday? Feeling sad that you do not feel as satisfied as you hoped you would by quitting? Feeling sad that you won't be smoking again? Just sad? 

     No matter what the cause of your sadness, smobriety still gives you a chance to sort through the problem, choose a course to take---even if that course is giving it time. If smoking were a simple dependency, easily let go of, we'd all have just quit on our own, never reaching out for oneanother. It would be like buying a different car and moving on rather quickly, rather than hugging the old car and wondering why oh why must it go, takinig a pic and setting it on a table to fondly glance --remember when.

     Yes, we have our attachments, but nicotine addiction is a deeper dependency and it is overcome with smobriety over time. Normal replaces dependency over time. We're works in progress for sure!!!!

     Congratulations on all your progress! Way to go. And thanks for sharing.

[elvan]

Oh honey, it WILL get better, it WILL get easier, it's a journey and there are good days and bad days...just like there were when you were smoking, I think you are more aware of them now, 123 days...how cool is that?  You are doing this and you are doing an amazing job.  If the sadness does not let up....it might be something you want to speak to a doctor about.  Congratulations on your 123 days...I am really happy for you and proud of you.  

Hugs,

Ellen