I Think I Can, I Know I Can

[indie_grrrl]

This is going to be my 3rd attempt at quitting smoking. I have been smoking since I was 15 or 16. I am truing 30 in May. I have always told my self that I wanted to quit by the time I was 30. That day is coming fast. 

I am currently sick for the 3rd time in the last 2 months. I know it's because of my smoking. I have been in denial about the decline of my immune system for a while but now it's affecting my work and my life.  

I have quit cold turkey before. The physical detox was the easy part. After a couple of days, I felt the better physically but my depression increased drastically. I would try to get myself out of it. I would meditate and take walks and draw but I couldn't shake my sadness. When all was said and done, I couldn't get out of bed. I would cry myself to sleep and cry when I woke up.

In the end, I started smoking again because I was sick of living in a dark hole. 

I wish and I hope that now that I am aware of what happens to me when I stop smoking, I can do what I can to push through the sadness. 

[JACKIE1-25-15]

Welcome to EX. Congratulation on making the decision to quit smoking.  As you stated  the first part of quitting is preparing yourself . Here is some information to help you get started.  click on the links. Smoking and depression there are also other topics about smoking and depression. You can use the search engine (magnifying glass) to research just about any topic. If you haven't done so already Go to http://www.becomeanex.org/how-to-quit-smoking.php#thl and if there are any areas you need to address tracking, triggers etc. to get started. You can do this.   You have come to the right place for a new day and a new beginning.. This is all about you and what you are willing to do to be smoke free. Quitting smoking requires hard work.  It can be challenging at times but you will learn that it is doable if you adhere to NOPE not one puff ever no matter what. 

Start first, by educating yourself about nicotine addiction.  Education is the key to a successful quit.

Read: Freedom from Nicotine My Journey Home and Nicotine Addiction 101         

Here are the links: http://whyquit.com/whyquit/LinksAAddiction.html   and http://whyquit.com/ffn/

I also encourage a quick and easy read. Allen Carr’s book, “Easy Easier Way to Quit Smoking

[Kimshine]

Hi Indie, I too get depressed and tearful when I quit. It lasts a couple of weeks and then starts to subside. I am experiencing it right now. I'm on day 3. This is my 3rd quit attempt.  Even though I feel these yucky thoughts and emotions of depression, I am making every effort not to unpack my bags and stay here. I allow myself to feel the feeling and then get to doing something else. I have been listening to music, practicing breathing exercises, meditating, cleaning some closets and drawers and eating some junk that I wouldn't normally eat. Thank goodness it's almost gone because growing out of my pants isn't good for my emotions either. 

I am a Cold\Smart Turkey quitter like you and there are others quitting like you are and everyone is really helpful. Have you quit? If not, when are you planning to quit?

Jackie gave you some great resources. Please use them, they will be helpful to have in your tool kit. This is an awesome support community. Please don't blow your quit, come here to ask for help or blog when you need support.

I'd wish you luck but you don't need it. You just need to make a choice and stick to it! 

Kim

[maryfreecig]

Support from Ex and participating can help you steer yourself through the blues of quitting. Great blog covering what  it has been like---one day at a time, you can grow your quit. Welcome to Ex and keep coming back!

[indie_grrrl]

thank you jackie! i haven't explored any support groups like this before which makes me think this time, it will be a whole other journey. 

[indie_grrrl]

Hello Kim, 

First of all, congrats on day 3. That's a big deal! You got this! 

I have quit before and I was not at all prepared. This time around, I am learning that having a plan is key to quitting and I didn't have one before. I would just walk and pray that my cravings would go away...but they didn't. I do plan on quitting but I think I need to see a doctor before I do. I am currently on anti depressants and I think it would be best if I coordinate with the doctor to amp them up for a little while. 

I didn't utilize a community like this before and it's really giving me hope that I can do this for real this time. This is such a great tool and I am definitely gonna use the hell out of all of you.  

Thank you for sharing your journey. I know we are all stronger than we think. Again, congrats on your day 3! 

[indie_grrrl]

Thank you for the welcome, Mary. I have never utilized a support group before and boy, am I learning a lot! The support here is amazing and I am so thankful for all of you. 

[emilyt123078]

Welcome!  Depression and smoking seem to feed off each other and maybe it's because you feel that instant boost.  I'm a big believer in, knowledge is power, so educate yourself.  Write how you feel. Talk about it.  Words have power!

We're here for you ♥

[Kimshine]

Indie, THANK YOU! I think talking to your doc is great! Knowledge is power and it's great to come here to see what you can get from the collective knowledge of the community. There is a lot of support here!

Quitting isn't easy but it can be done!

Looking forward to seeing you succeed!

Kim

[JACKIE1-25-15]

Having support makes a big difference.  We have people who have numerous years quit to assist.  They are called they Elders.  They have your best interest at heart if you are willing to do whatever is necessary to quit smoking.  No matter what NOPE not one puff ever.... will set you free. 

[Mandolinrain]

Welcome! You can do this. Read the links sent above and Carrs book, The Easyway to STOP SMOKING. 

That book + This site + The support from people on here = my turning point to freedom.

I'm here in your corner!

[elvan]

indie_grrrl  You have gotten great advice here and on your other conversation...start with the doctor, plan your quit and believe that this too shall pass.  It DOES get easier, it takes time and commitment.

Remember that you do not have to do this alone, stay close to the site and pay attention to the advice.

Glad that you found EX,

Ellen

[indie_grrrl]

Thank you Ellen!