Advice please?
Hi, I'm 29 quitting for the first time and struggling. Its been 5 days since my last full smoke, with a few slips (just a few puffs) I suffer chronic anxiety and panick attacks and they seem to be increasing. I feel like I can't get enough air in my lungs, any one else experience this? My Dr said it was common? Thanks in advance :)
Hello, I had bronchitis 2 weeks ago and I got over it, and then I stopped smoking, my chest is soooo congested also. It will pass. From what I have read it's got to do with the cilia in the lungs regrowing themselves.
It's rather disconcerting really. I feel like I lack the ability to take a deep enough breath, which in turn leads me into a panic attack. I really hope it's worth it.
Hi Sammiesalts,
Congratulations on quitting and it is beyond a doubt, so worthwhile.
Your doctor is right, quitting in the initial stages can increase anxiety.
I'm glad that you shared that you have chronic anxiety and panic attacks because by doing so, you may come across others who have or are suffering the same.
As you'd know with panic attacks, you're body goes into a fight/flight state which can lead to hyperventilation that causes the physical symptoms of panic which are very real.
Chronic anxiety suffers tend to shallow breathe subconsciously. Smokers shallow breathe at time also so the 2 combined together has a real impact.
You're used to shallow breathing, you're now not adding to that because you've quit. The body then thinks, hold on, what's all these new sensations? Why does my breathing feel so different? If not controlled, panic sets in.
I may be telling you things you already know but I'm saying it because I used to experience terrible panic attacks from PTSD. I don't get them anymore because I've learnt how to deal with them and that was long before I gave up smoking.
I did however experience increased anxiety when I quit so I used to practice deep breathing a lot.
As your body adjusts to not receiving all the terrible toxins in smokes, you will actually find that before too long, your not as anxious.
When you are feeling those sensations, take a breathe in and slowly breathe out and say something in your mind or out loud, this is normal. Maybe even practice your breathing routine when you're feeling calm and relaxed.
Smoking increases anxiety because our hearts beat faster, blood pressure can rise and fall etc.
I am now absolutely loving being able to take deep breaths.
All the very best.