Day 6: I’m a Monster

[SisBB]

It’s after work. I’m in bed at 6:30 pm with tears in my eyes. I was extremely irritable all day and may have snapped at my coworkers. They took it in stride so I think I’m okay. I feel guilty, ashamed, on edge. I even felt anger creeping in and I’m not really a person who gets angry. I MIGHT be pmsing too which really worsens things. 

I’m 38 and have been smoking in and off for 25 years. I don’t recall ever having withdrawal symptoms this bad before. I quit a few years ago with Wellbutrin and felt irritable, but at the time, I thought it was the Wellbutrin. 

Crying and sleeping = all I want to do.

[YoungAtHeart]

These early days of a quit suck - no two ways about it!  They WILL suck less the further along you get - but you have to get through these suckiest of days the best you can.  If crying and sleeping is required, cry and sleep!  I would apologize to your coworkers ahead of time and explain.  Maybe promise you can all go out to lunch when you are past the most difficult part?  You might also mention how much more you will be able to contribute to the workload when you don't need to take smoke breaks anymore?!!!  And - how much better you will smell!!!

You are doing something WONDERFUL for yourself. SO happy you are getting after it at such a young age.  Your body will have plenty of time to heal itself from any damage done.  ALL good!

Hang in there!!!

Nancy

[Thomas3.20.2010]

Hang in there! It gets better very soon and you won't regret it - promise!

[tedrhew]

Stay strong! Stay Praying! We're here for you!! PLUS I just read this and instantly thought of you:
https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/community/expert-advice/blog/2020/03/11/smoking-and-stress 

[Mandolinrain]

Well of course you are  Now smile, we got your back....we all graduated from the Monster Arena and know how you feel. Think of to as your body purging all the toxins and crap and your sorta like a self cleaning oven right now.

This will pass and you will feel like a new penny soon enough.

The dirty ovens , they take time to get clean but every day a little more grime falls away and it starts to get better and better and before you know it, its like new again.

So keep coming here , keep talking, we will listen. Have you tried Vicks Vapor rub? I used it under my nose all the time, as it helps relief the craves. I even had the Vicks inhaler to use when I was out in public so I didn't smell like a medicine chest.

Tears are also okay...another way to clean out all the debris. Hugs to you

....But now you have us and we wont leave you

[DonnaMarie]

You're not the monster; the cigarettes and consequent addiction are the monsters. You're slaying the dragon, one second at a time. Go to sleep as early as you need to. I slept a lot, a whole lot, in those first days and weeks. 

Six days is something to be proud of. You will, and I promise, look back and be amazed.

Donna

[SisBB]

Thank you, Donna! I’m so emotional that your response made me cry. Lol!

[SisBB]

Thanks for the support! I hadn’t heard of the Vick’s thing, but I have some Tiger Balm that has a similar scent. I’ll try that!

[SisBB]

Thanks! I read that article and it did help!

[DonnaMarie]

I cried sooooo much early in my quit. F a cigarette. The tears were worth it. That's just the addiction washing your face for you, or something silly like that

Donna

[sweetplt]

Unfortunately SisBB these are the early days of quitting smoking...often we remember those early days through new quitters and say, “I never want to go back to those early days quit”...I am sorry ... you need to feel what you most and figure out what to do with those feelings...a good cry helps, punch a pillow, breath and meditate on something good, etc., this journey is so much more then just quitting smoking...please please no we are here for you and understand...we were you...Hoping today is a better day for you...Colleen 465 DOF 

[MByrd1002]

I literally went to bed 2-3 hours early for the first two weeks. No shame.

Your body is doing haaard work getting rid of all those toxins so give it a little break. 

Watch a cheesy movie, rub sweet smelling lotion on your hands, and eat a yummy snack. Go to sleep with pride in your decision to make healthier choices. 

[Barbscloud]

Quitting for many is very emotional.   I was sad and cried easily.   You've eliminated nicotine and a multiple chemicals from your system.  You're body is going to react, but remember it's because it's healing.   Some people need to stay busy and other's need to sleep.   Do whatever your body needs right now.   It will pass, so stay the course one day at a time.  Glad that you reached out. Hope you're feeling better today and remember we're here for you everyday.

Barb

[elvan]

It really does get better, it is a journey, it is not an event and couple that with PMS and whoa...you did great coming here and talking about it.  Lots of people are very tired when they quit, lots of people substitute snacks for cigarettes.  Be kind to yourself and patient with yourself. No one wants to go through the beginning again.

Ellen