So ill I can't even stand Myself

[jennifer1076]

Day 12 vape free! I have been so moody and ill and the smallest things get under my skin.  Coping is super hard when you're used to just reaching in your pocket for that hit.  My partner is supportive but at the same time says I am very moody since I've quit to the point that I need to start back.  I have no desire to do that, I just need some feedback on new coping mechanisms!  Help, everyone!!

[Barbara145]

Congratulations on Day 12.  You are doing this. Sure you are moody.  We all were.  Trying taking short walks, talking about your feelings. It takes time. it just takes time.  It is so worth it.

[YoungAtHeart]

Here is some information about withdrawal from nicotine:

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/t5/Best-of-EX/Early-Withdrawal-Symptoms/m-p/1088041

It is a big deal!  The first days of a quit suck; they just do.  You get through them however you can, knowing it WILL get easier as you get time under your belt.  But - the only way out is through.   Get through it, commit to your quit, and you will never have to go through them again!

I found taking walks outside was about the only thing that improved my mood in the early days (well, except for CHOCOLATE! 😁).  Be extra kind to yourself - treat yourself to a bubble bath, or a dinner out, or a trip to the park.  Increase your exercise to get some dopamine you are missing - even marching in place, some sit stands or wall push-ups work.

I promise it is going to get easier.   Hang in there until it does.

Nancy

[biscuit9]

As difficult as it is, I hope you can find and stay in your happy place.  It's not easy, I know this, but because of another quit I had, I really didn't want to take my frustrations out on loved ones, nor did I want them to go out and buy me cigs and make me smoke again, because of my attitude.  SO, this time I was more prepared, avoiding and alerting as many people as possible, and spent my time in my Happy Place, as much as possible.  Where is your Happy Place?  Go there when you feel the buildup coming.  Without a vape to cram in your mouth, you no longer have a filter and your emotions are raw, because you can't have nicotine.  You are healing, give it time.  

[ReallyReal]

Congratulations on Day 12--that is something to celebrate.  I don't know if my experience will be helpful at all but in the early days I was terribly moody too, as most quitters are.  Sometimes I thought I would totally lose my cool and start screaming at people.  In the first few weeks I avoided people as much as I could and those closest to me understood that if we were having a conversation and I started getting agitated I would just say, Gotta go, and I would leave the situation, usually go outside for some fresh air.  The truth is, even though I was really scared I would end up yelling at people, I never did.  I kept my hands and my mind busy with crochet, started a quit project that I finished a couple months into my quit.  

Remember, you are not your moods.  These emotionally turbulent times due to nicotine withdrawal, both the physical and psychological withdrawal, will pass.  Hang on, yes it can be quite a ride, but it is so worth it.  Have you ever used positive affirmations in the past?  For some people, making positive statements throughout the day can be very grounding.  I know sometimes I would get angry when people suggested that to me, but I have found that they actually help me a lot.

Remember, you are doing this for better health, a better life--a short time of discomfort and not feeling well will.pay off after awhile.  Wishing you the best.

[CommunityAdmin]

Congratulations on day 12 @jennifer1076! Take it one day at a time. Things will get better. 

Quiana, EX Team

[maryfreecig]

My suggestions and that is all that they are:

Reward yourself for a day won--a real reward of some sort each day

Read others quit stories (keep reading here as well)

Pick up other things to-do, doesn't have to take a lot of time

Sip on water

Add up all the money you are saving each day won

Get exercise--dance, walk, hike, bike, take a class

Let your boyfriend know that you want to be like your oldself too, but unfortunately getting over nicotine addiction can be a funky time, but that it will pace. Ask him to hang in there.

Go back to happy memories in your life when you did not use

Breath

Spend time at the library ambling around

Make bigger goals that you that you have to plan for a little at a time--like taking a trip or buying something more expensive that you'd like when you've earned enough from your quit savings

Come to Ex for hoorays for an hour won, a day won, a week won, whatever--we're here to cheer you on--we know how hard it is at first

Congratulations on your quit. Way to go asking for help and stick with it just for today. Of course you can do this, you have so far. 

[McMoney]

It feels so defeating to hear someone say you should go back to smoking/vaping just because you're moody and snappy. I've been there. It's a gut punch. 

Honestly, I'm moody in general. My tone sounds grouchy even when I don't feel grouchy. And I have "resting B face". I'm wonderful to live with I assure you. (😂) The first few months after I quit, I had a shorter fuse than normal. All I can tell you is that it doesn't last forever. Ride it out.
Let the feelings wash over you & try to only hold onto the ones you want to hold on to. Refocus your mind to the things you want to think about. I wrote on my hands for a while, short reminders that I could attach my mind to when I started feeling out of control. (P/E = peace over everything reminding me to not pick fights and I wrote that on my wrist many days.) I made a list of mantras if you want to call them that and placed them in a visible spot. 

  The storm will pass. Time will heal you. 

Other than, that my advice is to breathe through it, don't hold your feelings in but also be aware of how you let them out (get in your car and yell at the steering wheel until you feel better rather than pick a fight), exercise!, be patient with yourself. 

[Barbscloud]

@jennifer1076 Congrats on 12 days of success.  You've already gotten some great advice, so I just want to add my support.  Know that what you're experiencing is a normal part of nicotine withdrawal.  It will pass and you'll find it was well worth the effort.

You're health is the the priority, so don't let your boyfriend get you off track.  You might share this with him.

Solved: Letter to a Loved One - EX Community

Stay busy and stay close

Barb