The changes
Hello everyone.
Today is probably day 9 since I've quit ciggys. Lately I've been getting the mood swings. A possible symptom of withdrawal of cigarettes.
I don't know why but the smallest things make me feel so aggravated and I rage so fast and a lot more aggressive when it comes to simple things.
Maybe I need counselling on anger management.
Maybe I'm just getting angry because I don't have the same enjoyment as I did when I smoke ciggys.
I don't have a great social circle. My family isn't the type to hold a conversation for long. My friends aren't really around to talk.
But a few people have seen a change in my behaviour. I don't know how, But my gf says she's seeing a different person. As I used to be so calm and full of energy. Now I'm more serious and grumpy.
What do I do ?
Besides playing video games and reading books.
:'(
Give your craving a name and tell it where to go whenever it rears its ugly head... Direct your anger and grumpiness at the cause. It is disguised as a craving. Only you can give her/him a name. Trust me. What's more it responds to expletives and leaves you alone for some considerable time...
Hi LRay. I think it would be a great idea to do something physical such as going for a walk or run when you feel angry or any other activity that gets you outside and moving rather than sitting down and avoiding real life by playing video games or spending so much time alone that you think about stopping smoking and your problems too much. There are exercise groups such as Crossfit you can join ir you can become a member of your local YMCA, Police Citizens Club, or Leagues Club as they all have gyms and exercise classes and can help you make friends. Also you can call the Quitline on 13 78 48 and speak to a counsellor about the way you're feeling. They understand how you're feeling and can give you some great advice about how to cope.
In my experience, it is completely normal to be angry, snappy, upset and emotional. Both the act of smoking and the intake of nicotene mask some of our feelings and giving up smoking brings those emotions to the surface. You are probably feeling very raw but that is completely normal and, I am afraid to say, for some of us, it lasts quite a long time. I did some meditation/breathing exercises in the beginning (try the Headspace app on your phone) and now, when I am feeling totally rotten, screaming at the driver in front of me, for no reason whatsoever, I breathe really deeply and it helps a bit.
Time is the only thing that really helps. Three-six months and you will rarely think about it again (at least that is what I am hoping at nearly four months) and although I know that sounds like an incredibly long time away, I can honestly tell you, I cannot remember how bad it felt in the first month as it has gotten so much easier and seems like such a long time ago.
Please give yourself time and pat yourself on the back for getting this far.
LRay this is a great site and the advice above is very sound. In the beginning I was more cranky than usual but it is getting better (now 49 days smoke free). This is not an easy journey and people who have never smoked do not understand but the people on this site do. I can't tell you enough how much reading people's experiences have helped me. As Suszan says, the Quitline is there to help. I wish you all the best.