Everything is SAD!

[stacyjlollis]

I was a smoker for 23 years. I quit cold turkey 17 days ago. I made it through the awful physical withdrawal symptoms early on, however, now I am so depressed. I have bipolar disorder. I was fine before I stopped smoking.  I just have to get out of this deep depression. I don't want to smoke to be smoking, I feel like smoking just to stop this extreme sadness. Can anyone relate? 

[sweetplt]

Oh my hon stacyjlollis ... depression is part of the quit, but with your bipolar, I suggest you talk to your Doctor who treats you for your disease to help in what you should do with depression and quitting...I/we are not medical people...

I know in the past others stated bipolar and wrote posts...if you go to the right of this page and see the magnifier, click on it and type in bipolar and quitting and read other articles...some may help, but I truly suggest you seeing your Doctor.  Let us know how you are doing...Gotcha in my prayers ~ Colleen 459 DOF 

[Cousin-Itt]

stacyjlollis‌   I know it's hard for anyone to quit and bipolar makes it somewhat harder. Being at 17 days your are doing great and you should be proud as the first 2 weeks are the toughest, It proves you are strong person

 I can't offer any more than what Collen has already said. I'm sure your doctor will be able to help you            

Carl              

[YoungAtHeart]

A lot of people self-medicated for mental health issues with nicotine, and when it's withdrawn, all kinds of imbalances can occur.  Best to check in with your doctor. 

One thing I DO know - smoking is NOT the answer!

Nancy

[Barbscloud]

Congrats on you 17 days smoke free.  Depression can be a side effect of quitting and with already being bipolar, I agree you should check with your physician.   

Barb

[marciem]

As everyone has said, it is best to check with your physician. 

If you are already on meds for depression/bipolar, they may need adjustment.  Cigarettes have tons of chemicals that interact with Rx medications, and quitting can throw the balance you had previously as a smoker out of whack. 

If you are NOT on meds, you might consider trying some for the short term (or long term) to get over being "quitting smoking".  You are still early days in this process, "three days and done" is NOT the fact of the matter of quitting.  There are so many other things going on. And one of them can be depression, sadness over losing your long-term "friend", lack of dopramine hits from nicotine... just a lot of different factors.

Bottom line, talk to your doc and see what you can do.  Don't suffer unnecessarily.

[alissastump]

So sorry you are having such a hard time.  I can't give any more advice other than what has already been given,  but I do send you a virtual <<HUG>>. 

[green1611]

Congratulations...for 17 days of smoke free.

Not exactly relate, but I do remember some things I used to relate to quit smoking e.g. driving car at faster speed. Then I used to think, I am unnecessarily driving fast, it is because of non smoking only. If i drive fast, i will meet with an accident...oh no terrible. What is way out, it is good to start smoking again, so that I will drive at normal speed...something like this weird relations.

Your depressions are deep, good to consult / take help of doctor (medicine or psychology specialist).

All the best.

Remember, you will feel depressed even if you again start smoking, possibly more, because you will have that ill effect on mind, you wanted to quit, and you could not do that !

[elvan]

I agree that you should speak with your doctor.  It really is possible that your meds needs adjusting.  I am not bipolar but there are several people on the site who are and who managed to quit.  Congratulations on your 17 days and kudos to you for coming here and looking for advice.

Ellen

[abbynormal42]

I am bipolar. I know the struggle. I have been quit for over a year, but it did take two medication adjustments to help me get through. I would definitely encourage you to speak with your doctor.

Quitting is complicated for those of us with bipolar depression, but it IS possible! Don't give up. I'm here to support you. If you need someone to talk to, don't hesitate to shoot me a private message anytime.