Depression and anxiety

[Roxie80]

After 3 1/2 months of not smoking, should I still feel depressed and have anxiety and have trouble sleeping?

[Alwalc]

Is quitting smoking the only change you've made? Have you tried therapy, medication, diet or exercise change, etc?

[Coffeegirl1979 in reply to Alwalc]

Just stopping smoking ..hate too tell ya it's not gonna be much of a change anxiety wise ....if anything will make worse. From chemical imbalance

[Roxie80 in reply to Alwalc]

I had depression and anxiety before I stopped. See a psychiatrist and have talked to counselors. Just thought things would improve. I take Xanax for anxiety but other medications for depression don’t seem to work.

[Alwalc in reply to Roxie80]

It's hard. I understand. Try to remain positive, be active, and do something for yourself each day. Try some food or hot tea when anxiety is bad. And keep reaching out!

[Roxie80 in reply to Alwalc]

Thanks. I will remain positive.

[Blackdog1]

I quit smoking 12 years ago. It took me a few years before the anxiety and depression levels improved. You just have to tough it out. I just often told myself that I had come so far and worked so hard, I was not going to let it be for nothing. I had such a strong addiction but made it. Just take it by the day or minute if need be.

I also thought of all the extra money I had from quitting- no small amount!

[Cb1963]

I'm in the same situation as you,however after nearly 25 years of smoking I made a conscious decision to stop smoking, so about 7 weeks ago I looked at the ashtray, and at the end of the evening I emptied into the bin,and I decided that would be my last smoke,I just went cold turkey, no patches, chewing gum,just will power,I don't get depressed, and I can sleep okay, now don't get me wrong, I could quite happily pick up a cigarette at any given moment, and I don't know if this craving will last a long period of time,but maybe the mindset helps overcomes the problems you are having,I do have other health issues, so maybe that impacts on how I deal with things,its difficult, and I hope that the feelings you are having soon disappear,and hopefully you'll continue to stay nicotine free.