Hello everyone

[Za_i]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this particular group and I thought I'd reach out for some advice.

I have a recent (ish) history with anxiety. I had my first panic attack in 2017 and anxiety since.

At the beginning, it did have a huge impact and I stopped eating as, for some reason, I developed a fear of chocking so I was essentially not eating.

At the time, I looked and found an amazing CBT therapist and after a couple of years of talking and exposure therapy, I managed to get over the fear ( though every now and then the thought would go back).

This past year it has been very difficult. I was the main carer for my best friend who was diagnosed and died of glioblastoma multiforme. He died in March.

Also this year, I have changed job which did not work out and I decided to resign during probation, and just started my new job Monday. I am in a highly stressful profession.

The problems really started when I quit smoking 7.5 weeks ago and I'm still using NRT (gum). I spent years going from smoking to vaping back and forth. My previous quit attempt about 7 months ago and I made it 5 weeks.

All my anxiety symptoms just showed up this week, but these feel different. I feel as low as it is possible to feel.

I know I had a tough year, and I'm still grieving (I'm currently getting grief counselling from the charity that runs the hospice my friend was cared at). Did I do this to myself? Did I quit smoking too quickly after trauma?

I'm so afraid that everything will start again - I am already starting to struggle eating and it's wearing me out 😞

Sorry for the long winded post. Anyone gone or going through this? Any advice appreciated.

Thank you 🙏

zai

[Adorable1]

Hi

I read your post and recognised some similarities for myself. I’m no expert in these matters of course, I can relay my own personal experiences to you, in the hope they may help.

You mention you are grieving, this in itself for me flared /triggered some similar symptoms , anxiety, fears etc. Grief can affect us all in so many ways, both physically and mentally. It was good to hear you are receiving grief counselling, I too am currently receiving grief counselling and realise how much grief affects our mental and physical health. Do mention to your counsellor around the giving up smoking challenges. The counsellor will know more around your struggles from what you have discussed and I’m sure be able to offer some guidance to you.

I gave up smoking at a stressful time in my life. I’ve not smoked for some 8 years now. Initially I had (what I now feel)similar withdrawals to yourself. I’m glad I stuck with it, I recall reading that smoking doesn’t help depression and anxiety and that first cig of the day (looking back) did seem to go hand in hand somewhat with lows and lack of motivation. At the time I didn’t connect it.

I wish you well, and welcome to you. It’s good you found us here , it’s a good place to voice your concerns and usually always someone who can relate in some way.

🤗

[Za_i in reply to Adorable1]

Thank you so much Adorable1

I'm so glad to hear you are glad you didn't give up on your quit and that gave me so much motivation 🙂🙏

[Adorable1 in reply to Za_i]

I started putting some money in ajar at the time too. Surprising what I managed to save and I know cigs much more expensive now

Another incentive !

Best wishes.