I quit 2 days ago, and its killin me.

[casey-edwards]

Its been two days now, and I was not expecting it to be this rough. Your thoughts really arent you. Ive been almost like depressed. Normally I am a very positive and happy person, but not these last couple of days. Fortunately I know that this will pass. Until then I am gonna try and just keep to my self, and keep my mouth shut. Try to avoid any bullshit that may make me pop off.

[shanna3]

Hello there!! I can relate so much to the way that your feeling! I to was completly suprised by horrible feelings of depression. It really scared me and I felt out of touch with myself... I'm learning now that these feelings were very normal and will subside. I found this great article from the National Institute of Mental Health - Depression, and I thought you might like to read it.


Depression is an issue of focus for many who quit smoking. At times, quitting smoking is an extremely difficult thing to do, and it is difficult enough when you're feeling happy. I would venture to guess that many people have relapsed during periods of depression; it is more difficult to stay focused and maintain resolve and motivation. For those people who suffer bouts of depression during the cessation process, the condition is usually mild and temporary.

If you find yourself suffering the more common temporary emotional upset, try to relax and let the feelings come as they will. Quitting is a big change in lifestyle, and you will react, to some degree, both emotionally and physically. And think about it; there really is no reason to deny your emotions; they are personal, and they belong to you.

Symptoms of depression may include:
sleeplessness
sadness
difficulty concentrating
anxiety or an "empty feeling
fatigue
changes in appetite (more or less)
loss of interest in hobbies, activities
emotional irritability


While quitting smoking, the body and the mind are in a state of transition, and it's not uncommon for new ex-smokers to struggle with their emotions.


It helps to build up a reservoir of gratitude. When you're feeling down and having a difficult time finding the positives, quitting smoking is always there; you can always feel good about that. Take time at the end of the day to acknowledge the importance of what you are working to accomplish. It will help you fill that resevoir. Find comfort in knowing that you are being kind to your body. Gratitude will help offset negative feelings and make it easier for you to manage depression due to quitting tobacco.


One of the greatest challenges new ex-smokers face is a very important change in perspective. It is that shift in thinking from seeing smoking as an exercise in deprivation to realizing that it is in fact one of the best gifts you've ever given to yourself. This is a crucial step in the process, and it is with this transformation that many see the symptoms of depression begin to lift.


While you are moving through this transitional period, crying, whining, and even screaming are all preferable to inhaling deadly chemicals. Early in the quitting process, some resort to lighting up because they perceive smoking to be something that offers comfort.


Smoking is not comforting; it is familiar.


Time away from smoking makes it less familiar; you'll begin to see nicotine for what it is...a highly addictive drug which robs people of time with those they love and seeks to kill, one puff at a time...if you let it. Give yourself time to develop new and healthier coping strategies. Don't buy the lie. There is never a good reason to light up.


It's likely that many of you who are feeling down, felt happy recently. You'll feel that way again. In the meantime, you can find comfort in turning to your friends, your family, or your faith. In time, these will become the more familiar sources of comfort to you, and smoking will become that thing that you thought used to make you feel better. Take comfort too, in knowing that millions of people have been through this process and not only have they lived to tell about it, but many include it among the most rewarding and life-affirming experiences of their lives.


So, if you've quit smoking in the last few weeks or months and are feeling blue, please be patient with yourself. You are going through some big changes, and your body and mind need some time to adjust. Do any little things you can think of to give yourself a little lift. Rent a comedy, try a new hairstyle, call a friend, go shopping; spend a little of the money you're saving since you quit, and buy yourself something special. Keep reminding yourself that it is a temporary state, and you'll find happier days ahead; with them will come a tremendous sense of pride and empowerment.

~Stay Strong and congrats on your quit!

[william3]

Great article, I too am having some strong emotional swings, I agree with Casey, It is better to just keep our mouths shut rather than getting into it with someone.
In the article it talks about gratitude, I thought I will start a gratitude list to help remind me of what is really good in my life.

Good Luck Casey

[casey-edwards]

Thanks Shanna. That was very enlightning. Ive only been signed up for an hour, and already Ive gained knowledge that will help me cope with some of the things im dealing with. Thanks again.

[casey-edwards]

Thanks holly. I hope you nothing but the best for you.

[polly2]

Hey there Casey!! Way to go on two days -- that is awesome!! Shannon's article was pitch perfect!! Try putting a rubber band on your wrist and when you have a bad craving give it a good snap (don't hurt yourself now)! THWAAACCCK! OUCH!! Yup, the rubber band hurts, but the cravings don't!! Cravings will not kill you -- instead they will restore your body -- you are releasing toxins, which is why you feel the way you do!! My mantra is, "Smoking is not an option." This leaves me without one single thought that can combat that! It helps to get rid of all the head games that we play! You came to the right place -- lots and lots of support here!! I arrived a little over 2 weeks ago and I looked like an actress in the EX commercials -- felt like it too!! I had to laugh at myself, because I was reminding myself of the commercials that brought me here!! Keep on posting, reading and staying busy. Before you know it the days will start to add up and you'll be feeling a bit better with each new day dawning!! You go girl!! ( )<-- cyber hug for you!

[cindy25]

Good plan....be "very, very, quiet"! This will pass and you will begin to perk up and stop obsessing over smoking. That day feels really good. I love it now when I can go a whole day and then think "wow, I haven't thought about smoking all day today"!!!! What a relief! You just have to hang in there until you get to that place. You have to go through ALL the crap to get there. When things get bad- come here and read, post and vent!

[manofsteele]

Welcome Casey glad you are here ...

Depression ... they don't call the 1st smoke free week "Hell" week for nothing.... < grin >

I have been smoke free over 51 months now and I help others with attitudes that can help keep your smoke free journey lasting a long time.

There are many ways to look at and deal with every situation you face in life. You are depressed after 2 days of stopping a nasty poisonious habit. It could be worse, right? You could be here on your 2nd smoke free day and also your 2nd day of chemo and radiation treatment because they found lung cancer. Hopefully you have stopped early enough and your lungs will do their best to heal themselves.

I was faced with a story similar to my example. I quit for good on 04/04/04 after finding out my friend Randall had less than 5 months to live and he had quit smoking and now was going through chemo and radiation treatments. We also tried all kinds of homeopathic remedies but nothing seemed to work.

So every time I tried to get depressed and just look at my problems it did not take to long for me to refocus and decide no matter what pain I was dealing with it was nothing compared to Randall's. Does that make sense? Had all the attention just been on me my quit would have been very different from the start.

I have tried my best to think of others over the last 51 months and when I arrived here I set up some groups that I though could help others be more successful with their smoke free journey. You might be able to gain some knowledge from some of the posts and videos I have put together in the Words of Wisdom, Tough Luv and Thanks and Praise groups. I also encourage you to join us daily and pladge not to smoke in the Daily Pledge group and for some stress relief you might even like the Game Room group. Just my way of paying forward and in memory of one of my mentors Moonbug Jean that died in April of this year after fighting COPD for the 4 years I knew her . I hope something in one of these groups can help with your depression so you can enjoy all the benefits of a super smoke free life !

never give up on this dream ....it is possible ...... U CAN DO IT .... we can help ....keep asking

peace