Can Anyone Tell me.....

[nsd_user663_2350]

Realistically how long before the depression about not being able to have a fag (despite happily controlling the actual craving with NRT) actually lasts. I'm on day seven and haven't had a single one, or even come close, but for me it's this depression when I'm sat at home that's making it hardest. I'm really ok when I'm out and about and busy.

I'm feeling quite low tonight, no inclination or intention of giving in (and couldn't if I wanted to as kids in bed and no fags in house) and I just can't cope with the depression for much longer. Are we talking any day now? A good few weeks - or months and months?

[nsd_user663_2162]

Oh Ludds so sorry you're feeling down, but hang in there! It's not long before that typical initial depression goes away, mine started to positively go away around day 10, I remember that pretty well as it was such a HUGE relief It was hard to deal with that peculiar sorrow because I couldn't quite focus on anything at all especially in the evenings after work, I felt a sense of loss like I was grieving or something, but thanks God YES - it does go away hun

HUGS

[nsd_user663_2350]

Thank you so much. Nice to hear the positive stuff.

[nsd_user663_2367]

hey ludds... the depression factor is rough for me this time too... and unexpected as it was not really a symptom on other attempts. Interesting that you are getting it with NRT because I am going without and thought it was chemical based on lack of nic. Strange because I will feel fine and the all of a sudden so sad.. welling up with tears not even sure why. Hope that peaked out a couple days ago. Definitley feel you on the busy think... at work mostly I am pissed off... its when I a alone that I feel down.

Anyway Cheer Up! The only way I have found to deal is basically thinking through it and recognizing the depression as a symptom... basically on the theory that my life was just as sucky 2 weeks ago but I did not feel depressed

[nsd_user663_2362]

hi ludds

I know it's hard for you the more you think about cigs the more it will hurt,but if you can ride this bad patch out everything after this will be a walk in the park.

the things i think about is if dont crave when im sleeping, if i sleep for 7 hours that means when im awake i wont need to smoke for 7 hours.

there is only one thing or person who can make you smoke a ciggy and that is YOU

if i smoke 1 fag then i will be screwed cos it only took 1 fag to get me hooked.

works for me try to be as positive as i can so if you can find things to be positive about it will help you.

try something like if you dont smoke for 1 week then your children can have a nice treat so everytime you dont smoke you will be spoiling the children with a nice day out etc

hope this makes some sence for you

[nsd_user663_2354]

how "bad" is the depression???

if you can describe it...

im going through the same thing.

trying to figure out if it's from NOT smoking, or antidepressants, which i know can actually lead to suicidal feelings/thoughts...

i cry non stop. and it's embarrassing, i have to volunteer and drastically take control of my tears before i go out and just keep remembering it's ok i can cry when i get home.

so how bad is it???

like... not wanting to get out of bed?

wanting to sleep all the time?

or just sadness?

[nsd_user663_2354]

btw, this is kinda harsh...

but a good way to keep from smoking is do it for your kids.

they need you around.

i feel robbed of my mom not being around from smoking and it angers me.

she knew she had cancer and continued to smoke.

so don't smoke for your kids. because even tho you're not around to see it, it makes their life living hell!

[nsd_user663_2367]

how "bad" is the depression???

so how bad is it???

like... not wanting to get out of bed?

wanting to sleep all the time?

or just sadness?

for me I would say not SO bad, i function... get up go to work. It is just that it comes up on surprise. All of a sudden I will feel sad and while I am not exactly Mr. Emotionally Stable that is not a "normal" feeling for me.

[nsd_user663_2343]

Hi Ludds

The sadness does go. Giving up fags is like someone has taken away something that was yours and yours alone. Sounds mad but that is the way your mind thinks and it is the thought patterns that are the hardest to manage after the nicotine is out of your system.

What helped me was St John's Wort (good brand) this helped with the sadness and the jitters but it doesn't help everyone. Get to the docs for reassurance that it is the giving up the cigs that is the cause. Some good reading out there too, Paul McKenna's book (with C/D tape) helped me. Whenever I am feeling off I put on the relaxing tape and feel loads better.

Hang in there.

Linda

Smoked for 45 years

Quit Day 12 October 07

Method Cold turkey

[nsd_user663_2291]

It does go honestly. I felt like there was something missing and i was sad and bored.

But you know this is what you want to do and in time it will pass.

Good luck x

[nsd_user663_2350]

Thanks guys - it's nice to know it's totally normal and looking at some of your dates and stuff, not necessarily that long before the feelings improve.

In fact, since I have typed that it has improved drastically. I'm now on day 11 and not too bad. Not depressed as much, still feel slightly like I'm grieving something and getting Very bored, but reminding myself that having a cigarette didn't actually add to the enjoyment of anything.