Hi everyone.. Just wanted to share my smoking story. I started 25 odd years ago at the age of 16. Both my parents smoked. In the house, car etc so it was just part of life I thought. I first wanted to quit when I was about 28. It was hard when I was in my 20's as I drank alcohol/partied quite regularly and it just came with the territory. I think my first stint of quitting was at the age of about 32. That lasted for 2 or so years.. Every time I had major stress or trauma, I would start again. Or too many drinks & I would suddenly be having 'just one'. Soon I was back on the smokes daily.
I have lost count of how many times I have tried to quit. Cold turkey, patches, hypnosis...
I recently lost the love of my life in a tragic motorbike accident. He was only 39.. It was also I crime as a driver had run him down. Before the accident I was only smoking here and there with a drink as my partner was good at the social smoking thing. He would just hide them when we had finished a few drinks. After he passed, I started up again daily. It's been 8 months now & I have had a week or two here and there where I have worn a nicotine patch and not smoked. I desperately want to stop as it's only making me feel more anxious and depressed. I am constantly told by friends, therapists etc to keep smoking but I am so over it controlling me yet again.
So I had my last smoke this morning and have put a patch on again. Feeling much better already and have had more energy today!!
Has anyone here quit whilst going through major trauma? I figure there's always going to be stress in our lives and if I can do it now, I can do it anytime.
Thanks for listening 
Thanks Colleen. Yes it's a huge contribution to anxiety and depression for sure. It's the constant cravings/smoking to relieve the cravings cycle that does this I think. You are forever thinking about that next cigarette. It's awful... Do you feel better now? Congrats on keeping at it!! I will take a look at the link. Thanks again
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Thank you!! So far, this blog seems so great! Keeps us all accountable and also gives us the support we need Onward and upward!!
Thank you.. Yes there is always going to be painful things we have to deal with in life. Being a non-smoker will actually make it easier to cope with to be honest. Hard as I have always used it as a crutch in tough times.. I am really sorry to hear about your daughter.. I hope she gets a transplant and gets well soon. Take care
Thanks so much
