Smoking a packet a day and quitting with Anxiety (mental health)
I have been smoking for over 20 years and now 37 it's come a time in my life where all my loved ones can't stand it.
I have quit previously around 8 times for 6 to 12 months and used many methods and for one reason or another I've taken it up again.
I'm currently on my third day of 21mg patches and taking the planned route, only smoking less than half a pack in three days and have set a date for next Monday to stop completely.
With the stressful life events in the past month of moving house, getting glandular fever, dog getting an ear infection, starting a new job and my girlfriend going into surgery, my anxiety and stress levels were never higher.
Even though it has all settled a bit, I am concerned about keeping my anxiety levels at a safe level while quitting, and will be self monitoring and looking out for triggers.
It seems there is plenty of assistance such as this site, but little out there that tackles the reality of the large majority of people who desperately want to quit, but can't as they know the mental health risks seem unmanageable.
Please contact me with any advice or for a chat.
Thank you :)
Hi Mattsull, congrats on having a start date, so even though you are on patches, they are just the assistant to your quest in helping you give up, now you should be getting the mental assistance in action so by Monday you should be on the road to saying to yourself, you don't need the smoke, and talking yourself out of needing a smoke when the cravings happen....be strong in your mindset.
Yes you have alot of events happening in your life at present, but if we look for stumbling blocks they will always be there.
But even though there is alot of stuff we don't want to happen, you can use some of that energy into keeping busy so you are not constantly thinking of a smoke..
The first couple of weeks will be the worst, but you will not die from not having a smoke, you will be taken into another zone which you have not experienced for alot of years, your body will be craving the Nicotine, but be strong n focused on why you have chosen to quit smoking.
Have the confidence in yourself...you can do it.
Reporting in here often on your journey also helps,
cause we are all in the same club.
Hey Mattsull! I quit using the patch and am now 122 days smoke-free. My Doctor warned me about wearing the patch (which dispenses nicotine into your body) and then smoking at the same time...very bad to do!! You are putting yourself at risk for increased heart rate, stroke or even heart attack! So, if you aren't ready to quit 100%, then just keep smoking until you feel fully committed. Is it easy? No! Make a list of what causes you to smoke (triggers) and a separate list of things you can do to divert the cravings or thoughts of smoking (coping skills) This will work if you practice the skills and soon they'll become automatic. I wish you much luck :-)