Struggling Today

[AMReed]

I can’t shake the tiredness. I slept for 10 hours and I was ok when I got up, but a couple hours later I’m exhausted again. And I’m sad. I’ve been crying for 30 minutes and when I think it’s stopping it picks back up. I know emotional extremes are normal during a quit, but I don’t think it helps that today is the 4th anniversary of my Granny’s death. And of course that makes me think of everyone I’ve lost since then: an 18 year old cousin to suicide in November 2017, my Grandma to breast cancer/dementia in January 2020, and my Grandpa to Covid in January 2021. Also lost 2 great-uncles, a great aunt, and a close family friend during that time. I hadn’t really experienced the death of a family member until my Granny passed, and then it just kind of seemed like the universe decided I had been lucky long enough and just started taking them. I’m so frustrated right now. I haven’t wanted to smoke this bad since the beginning of this quit. I’m not going to, I’m going to figure something out. But it’s tough right now. I just need for this sadness to go away. It honestly feels the way it feels right before my depression gets bad, but I’m hoping this is temporary. I’m hoping this is just my body adjusting and nothing more.

[Barbscloud]

I know, we keep saying be patient with yourself.  I can take time.  My quit was very emotional--I didn't really experience may physical symptoms.  And it do last for a got while, but it finally got better.  There is nothing wrong feeling sad sometimes.  What you just described is sad.  I am so sorry for all of your loses.  Several years ago, I lost 7 people in two years.  It doesn't give much time to grieve in between and much of it kept me busy.   I know it didn't hit for a number of years later.  So, maybe you just need to feel those loses for a little while and then either get moving or take a nap.  It's about you right now.

Take care.

Barb

[JACKIE1-25-15]

I am very sorry for all of your losses.  Your quit may be impacted by the grief and all of the deaths you have had to EXperience in such a short period of time. What a tremendous pressure that may be that could create the depression.  I would suggest that you seek professional help with a grief counselor. We can support you in every way possible but I do think a personal touch one on one support system with the grief may also help you on your quit journey.  I hope the very best for you.  I am glad you have decided that no matter what you will not smoke. Thanks for reaching out. We are here for you. 

[maryfreecig]

So sorry for your loss of your grandmother this past January. I hope you find some sleep and rest for your mind. 

[JonesCarpeDiem]

Hold onto your quit

[YoungAtHeart]

Seems like you have experienced depression before. What did you do about it then?   Might be time to get those tools in use again - whatever they were.  A call to your doctor might also be in order.

If you can, get some exercise...I know we always say that  (and probably feels like we maybe harp on it    ) - but I know it works for me.  Even a short, brisk walk does wonders for your physical AND mental health.  Even if you don't feel like it - just do a short stint.  I think you will see a difference in how you feel.

My sympathy on your losses.....  Hang in there - it IS going to get better!

Nancy

[Giulia]

One of the things that helps me when I start to spiral downward into negative thoughts (I call them "bad thoughts") - is to say out loud to myself "Don't go there."  I had to train my brain to obey what I want it to do and not just go off on it's own.  And it was simply a matter of first catching what was happening and where it was taking me and then each time turning the thought in another direction.  The more you practice it, the easier it becomes.  But I absolutely understand what you mean.  You start thinking about one person you love who's died and then the next one you've lost and the next....  and it's just awful.  But try just saying "Don't go there," to you mind "no bad thoughts!" and see if that helps at all.  

The longer you're on this quit journey, the more you'll understand that sometime we just go through periods where we're back to Day One in our cravings.  The great thing is, however, it doesn't take nearly as long to move out of it as it did in the beginning of our quits.  And if you have a strong Quit Kit, those tools will help too.

[JonesCarpeDiem]

I agree. I learned to use a distraction like putting on my glasses and other similar things to change my mental viewpoint immediately.

[AMReed]

Hey y’all. Thank you so much for your advice and support! I just wanted to let you all know I am doing better now. I think I may have just been having a moment. I ended up running errands with a friend and that helped a lot. I have definitely experienced depression for quite a while and am on medications for depression and anxiety. It has been pretty tough since Grandpa passed in January because it was so unexpected. I have a referral for counseling already and I just need to call to set up an appointment. I think getting out in the sunshine and walking around definitely helped, as did all of your encouragement. I haven’t wanted to smoke since then so I’m definitely feeling better.

[sweetplt]

Hon AMReed you are early in your quit...it is an emotional roller coaster...often quitting smoking is like the death of a good friend...you go through many of the same stages...if you feel like crying...cry...if you need rest...then rest...listen to your body ... you are healing from all you put in your body...wishing tomorrow is a better day for you ...~ Colleen