Setbacks
Hi- I gave up in November and since this dreadful virus has come to the world, over the last month I have started to have a couple a day due to anxiety, I suffer from mental health problems all the time and feel like I am not coping with stress at the moment, still using the patches, anyone else feeling like this?
As in quitting smoking, things get easier. We adapt. Think positive and be strong to face the challenges. Smoking will not decrease your stress. It will only give you more to worry about. I am so thankful that I do not have that expense in the future, and that my lungs are much healthier now. Try exercise and/or yoga, or meditation to find some peace within. You will be so happy you kept the promise to yourself.
I would guess most of us would be feeling some of these things and feeling we couldn't cope, in these troubling times. I think we are the lucky ones because we have learnt to direct our attention to other things, find our secret love of something special, give ourselves rewards other than a cigarette. and concentrated on our mental and physical health. Try to remember how to do these things again and you will feel a lot better about yourself and the world. Give thanks every night for one good thing in that day, our depression lifts quite a bit or it did for me. Keep on going
I understand what you are going through. I don't want to tell you my experiences because I don't want to scare you off quitting. What I will say is find things you love, that give you joy. Reconnect and reminisce about good times with old friends or family. Exercise, exercise, exercise. Don't beat yourself up. Face your demons by seeking a good psychologist. Good luck.
Yes anxiety does make abstinence difficult especially with the threat that this virus is causing, i think its good that you still are using patches, try to keep smoking to a minimum if your able and when you feel a little stronger try to reduce, I guess what i'm saying is don't give in. I myself have mental health issues and was struggling a bit with anxiety among other symptoms and i have found that quitting smoking has actually helped reduce my anxiety once i got through the quitting period, i actually feel calmer without the smokes. Keep trying your best and success will come, and also since November you have been doing well so try not to be too hard on yourself, you have achieved a lot. Our global situation is quite a worry so if it is affecting you too much, it might be a good idea to talk to your health professional as this could be helpful. Good luck with your quit and take care.
I completely understand and have felt similarly. But a couple little missteps is no reason to throw out all the progress! You can and will do it! As a newer no-smoker, a few brain games that get me through is telling myself how much stronger I'd be without smoking were I to get the dreaded virus. Living where it recently snowed, it was remarkable how much easier it was shoveling. Sometimes I even smell the arm of the shirt I'm wearing to remind myself how much better I smell without stinky smoke all over me. Maybe have a piece of gum to distract yourself and repeat "I don't want one, I don't need one - I no one's slave". Think of non-smokers as much more attractive all around and NOW YOU ARE ONE!
Thanks again for for all the help, have had two smokes today and am going to try and make them the last two I ever smoke, I want to quit and I will, it is a promise that I have made to myself.
I had made my quit date (again) for tomorrow and as I wrote earlier, i had two smokes and said that was it, am going OK very early hours :) , did it before and can do it again, it is good to be able to hear other peoples stories, it helps. Have had a day full of panic attacks because of watching all the news, so have limited myself to watch one news a day, am watching comedies and shows I love like Law & Order SVU. Still can't believe I was smoke free for almost three months and let myself down
I don't know how to answer comments? Anyway thanks "Nuts" still haven't had one and craving not too bad even when I am having a wine lol :)
Feeling very lonely, live on my own, feel like this site is helping me not only giving up smoking but making new friends, so don't want to let anyone down who has tried to help me.
Hi Diddi not sure if you have tried any cbt(cognitive behavioural therapy) but i read a book on it and worked with a counsellor and my anxiety has eased considerably, really noticably. Apparantly cbt is helpful for panic attacks as well as general mental health. The book i read was a short read easy to understand and was written by Elaine Iljon Foreman and Clair Pollard, the book is called C B T and it cost me $16.99 very cheap I got from QBD bookshop. I thought this might be helpful not only for anxiety but also your quitting journey or maybe you could enquire about it next time your seeing your health professional.