Depression?: After i'd been quit 3 months I... - No Smoking Day

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Depression?

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After i'd been quit 3 months I hit was i've later come to realise is a bout of depression. I was feeling anxious and depressed and really very tired too. Stress at work was (and still is at an all time high), and it takes a toll on you after a bit.

I then began to worry about the depression too which then made it worse.. and you stop relating to things in the way you normally do.

So it was a case of :eek: what to do :eek:?

Anyway.. a friend on another forum I visit made a suggestion to me of trying something available in most chemists called 'St. Johns Wort', and i followed up on that advice and got myself some, and its really made a good difference for me, i'm certainly feeling quite a bit more upbeat and chipper too.

So has anyone else felt 'really very down' or 'depressed' for periods of time while quitting? if so, how have you coped?

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nsd_user663_3554 profile image
nsd_user663_3554

Yes I was hospitalized a couple of months after i quit.I thought i was having a heart attack,but my heart checked out ok and i have been on antidepressant called lexapro wich helps with anxiety also.I never had any of these problems till I quit smoking.

nsd_user663_6596 profile image
nsd_user663_6596

Hi Jase,

It was interesting reading your post as i had a quite horrid blip on the 2-3 weeks, just a few days, but it was horrid, i read a good article i believe n the whyquit site about the lack of nicotine sometimes manifesting in feelings like the loss of a friend. It wasn't nice... i suffer from SAD too in the winter, sometimes more than others and wondered if it was that and the non smoking that hit me as a bit of a double whammy.

I went to the health shop and got Rosiola, which in essense is like St Johns Wort as a pep agent, thing about not smoking is it screws with your seratonin levels and Dopamine (your happy feeling brain chemicals) and so your body has to relearn how to produce them naturally again, without synthetic nicotine interference.

Bananas, Marmite and a few other things are natural seratonin enhancers...

Hope this helps, good luck and keep smiling

Zo x

After i'd been quit 3 months I hit was i've later come to realise is a bout of depression. I was feeling anxious and depressed and really very tired too. Stress at work was (and still is at an all time high), and it takes a toll on you after a bit.

I then began to worry about the depression too which then made it worse.. and you stop relating to things in the way you normally do.

So it was a case of :eek: what to do :eek:?

Anyway.. a friend on another forum I visit made a suggestion to me of trying something available in most chemists called 'St. Johns Wort', and i followed up on that advice and got myself some, and its really made a good difference for me, i'm certainly feeling quite a bit more upbeat and chipper too.

So has anyone else felt 'really very down' or 'depressed' for periods of time while quitting? if so, how have you coped?

nsd_user663_5028 profile image
nsd_user663_5028

After i'd been quit 3 months I hit was i've later come to realise is a bout of depression. I was feeling anxious and depressed and really very tired too. Stress at work was (and still is at an all time high), and it takes a toll on you after a bit.

I then began to worry about the depression too which then made it worse.. and you stop relating to things in the way you normally do.

So it was a case of :eek: what to do :eek:?

Anyway.. a friend on another forum I visit made a suggestion to me of trying something available in most chemists called 'St. Johns Wort', and i followed up on that advice and got myself some, and its really made a good difference for me, i'm certainly feeling quite a bit more upbeat and chipper too.

So has anyone else felt 'really very down' or 'depressed' for periods of time while quitting? if so, how have you coped?

Sorry to hear you have been down Jase as normally from reading your posts you have always come across as an upbeat positive kind of guy and if you have found something none prescribed that has helped you then thats brilliant, i cannot recommend enough to people the importance of exercise even if it is just walking, a bike ride all that fresh air and it is good for your heart and soul too, Running to me has been more important in my quit then anything, even if you are not the most active person a little exercise will help with your craves your quit and it invigorates you, makes you feel alive again helps too with the extra pounds you put on during your quit.

nsd_user663_4847 profile image
nsd_user663_4847

Depression

Hi Jase,

As you know I've been blue, also read the nicotine friend thing on why quit and believe it's certainly an element.

Have also read that smokers may be more prone to depression, I think to be honest with myself, that I am prone to ups and downs, and that nictoine addiction has masked that. When life went wrong I had a fag, because I craved the nicotine, now that I'm not having nicotine I just feel what's going on without the temporary relief of cigs.

Back on the St John's wort too, won't lie to myself, I also think that stopping smoking has caused a sea change in me, I've noted others also mentioning taking stock of their lives. I'm not happy in my job, am largely bored and unfullfilled. Can I take the risk of changing to something more rewarding, perhaps. I made a series of changes about 5 years ago by starting running, laying off the booze and finally giving up the fags 6 months ago.

I have been blue because I'm adjusting to life without the mask of nictoine, I'm seeing things differently. I also need to learn how to relax and be kind to myself. Not lambast myself for not doing things. Be happy with the decisions I make. These things aren't caused by stopping smoking, they're unmasked by not needing to feed the nico demon every frigging 20 minutes.

nsd_user663_5920 profile image
nsd_user663_5920

Thanks Jase, the St Johns Wort is a good natural pick-up/leveler.... but should not be taken by women who are taking the contraceptive pill.

Not as effective as St johns Wort but still helpful is the Omega 3 range, fish oil or veg oil.

My intake of marmite AND bananas increases naturally as we head into winter.... listen to your bodies.... it often silently calls for what would help.

Pol

nsd_user663_3755 profile image
nsd_user663_3755

Thanks Jase, the St Johns Wort is a good natural pick-up/leveler.... but should not be taken by women who are taking the contraceptive pill.

Not as effective as St johns Wort but still helpful is the Omega 3 range, fish oil or veg oil.

My intake of marmite AND bananas increases naturally as we head into winter.... listen to your bodies.... it often silently calls for what would help.

Pol

I didn't know you couldn't take it with the pill. I was going to get soem as I'm prone to depression (post natal after both my kids, the a couple of other unexplained bouts) and I do find myself feeling a bit blue lately. Trying to be positive but just end up feeling a bit down and grey if you know what I mean. So, I was going to try St John's Wort as I do not want chemical anti depressants, just a bit of a boost. Maybe should try dipping a banana into a pot of Marmite?? :eek:

nsd_user663_4754 profile image
nsd_user663_4754

Hi Jase,

As you know I've been blue, also read the nicotine friend thing on why quit and believe it's certainly an element.

Have also read that smokers may be more prone to depression, I think to be honest with myself, that I am prone to ups and downs, and that nictoine addiction has masked that. When life went wrong I had a fag, because I craved the nicotine, now that I'm not having nicotine I just feel what's going on without the temporary relief of cigs.

Back on the St John's wort too, won't lie to myself, I also think that stopping smoking has caused a sea change in me, I've noted others also mentioning taking stock of their lives. I'm not happy in my job, am largely bored and unfullfilled. Can I take the risk of changing to something more rewarding, perhaps. I made a series of changes about 5 years ago by starting running, laying off the booze and finally giving up the fags 6 months ago.

I have been blue because I'm adjusting to life without the mask of nictoine, I'm seeing things differently. I also need to learn how to relax and be kind to myself. Not lambast myself for not doing things. Be happy with the decisions I make. These things aren't caused by stopping smoking, they're unmasked by not needing to feed the nico demon every frigging 20 minutes.

great post MAH, I think i am doing this too. Its essentially the process of getting our selves happy again, by sorting out all the stuff we know isnt good for us. Its amost like a journey into the unknonwn. Your not quite sure where it is your going, but you know you will recognise it when you get there.

nsd_user663_4754 profile image
nsd_user663_4754

Jase - sorry to hear your feeling down. Ive been a bit down these last few weeks too. I really think that bradders is right on the exercise thing. Im just in limbo as Im waiting for a scan on my leg and dont want to blow my chances of a quick recovery by ignoring the facts that im injured. Its getting to me now as its been nearly 5 months. grrr.... haha. guess will appreciate it when its fixed again. Its also really making me realise how much i want to stay fit in the future so this doesnt happen again. I have taken being fully functional for granted for such a long time and now having a little bit of it taken away for a short period has really brought that into focus.

hang in there mate. only a few weeks till christmas and hopefully some good times with family and friends :)

nsd_user663_4847 profile image
nsd_user663_4847

I didn't know you couldn't take it with the pill. I was going to get soem as I'm prone to depression (post natal after both my kids, the a couple of other unexplained bouts) and I do find myself feeling a bit blue lately. Trying to be positive but just end up feeling a bit down and grey if you know what I mean. So, I was going to try St John's Wort as I do not want chemical anti depressants, just a bit of a boost. Maybe should try dipping a banana into a pot of Marmite?? :eek:

There are other things to take ddb.

Have a google at valerian and vervain.

nsd_user663_4990 profile image
nsd_user663_4990

Maybe should try dipping a banana into a pot of Marmite?? :eek:

This seems wrong on sooooooo many levels :)

nsd_user663_4964 profile image
nsd_user663_4964

Groan , yes- I am very prone to depression- It's a bit of a chicken and egg question - Which came first, the smoking or the depression? Did I smoke in some way to "self medicate my depression and anxiety? Or was smoking and inhaling cr8p causing in some way the depression?

I kinda approached the whole giving up smoking as a total health overhaul thing because i felt rubbish most of the time and i wondered how much smoking had to do with it. I tried to eat loads veg etc. and to eat as healthy as poss. Haven't managed to quit my six cans a day diet coke habit- I is well addicted to da coke !!

I boringly harp on about taking a strong multivit (high dose) as I'm a believer in the holistic and nutritional approach. Also extra B vits and zinc etc are good in depression, your body needs vits to make dopamine, noradrenalin and serotonin, lack of which cause depression. Also have never really experimented greatly but 5htpp (or summat like that) is the natural amino acid wqhich is the precursor to serotonin, tyrosine is the amino acid thats precursor to dopamine (this is the one i probably need, as i like my caffeine and upper type things)These are natural anti-depressants, if you are prescribed anti-d's (there are many diferent types,and they all work slightly differently) they target serotonin , noradrenalin and or dopamine in varying degrees . So it can help to work out what subtype of depression you have, and what you might best be requiring to sort it out. You can buy amino's in the health food store(they are natural chemicals present in food etc etc) but they are quite expensive.

A good book for anyone struggling with this is Patrick Holfords Optimum nutrition for the mind, or any of his books,has lots of tests to see what would help you in particular. Also can't find at the mo, butI have a great book which goes into huge detail, and has loads of quizzes based on things you like, and how you feel with the depression as to what sort it is, to what would help you.

I'll search for it (I'm a messy person, it could take many days...)

I feel for anyone feeling down as I've always had a prob with anxiety and depression. I found that mind altering substances in general do not agree with me, and cause me bother. In my wilder youth i investigated a few (not as many as most) chemicals with pretty dire results, so it's a good job i didn't end up in a facility and am sane (kinda)

nsd_user663_4990 profile image
nsd_user663_4990

I keep telling myself 'at least i'm still quit' its the one major solid thing i think that i am glad i've kept intact.

As i failed last years 8 month quit on xmas day, i will not make the same mistake this year.. ohh no no no.. :)

but i think this depressed feeling may be a mix of quit blues and who knows? seasonal depression.. which i supppose we all get a bit of eh.

Roll on january, i'm off to sleep in a cave like the bears do, wake me up in springtime :)

nsd_user663_4991 profile image
nsd_user663_4991

Depression

Jase , I don't think you are by any means alone with this subject.

Nicotine has been proven to release dopamine and this is in its own right smoking "acts" as an anti depressant....therefore cut off the supply by stopping smoking and hey presto = not such a happy bunny) ....BUT A HEALTHIER ONE !!!!!!!.

I have often questioned my own ups and downs along the quit and I have been through some anxiety and sadness along the way, AS WELL AS A SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT .

Exercise is a great way of cheering oneself up , doesn't have to be drastic just a brisk walk and deep breathing fresh air into your now healthier lungs should go a long way.:cool:

Regards Trev.

Quit 28th April

3 months patches

4 months C.T :)

nsd_user663_4121 profile image
nsd_user663_4121

Sorry you've been feeling down, Jase! All this crap weather sure is not helping but I'm with bradders and bladeflyer on this one.... go out and get exercise.

Also, lots of people don't give vitamins and supplements a chance.... sometimes it takes a few months for the body to get back into balance and people want immediate responses. I had a thread up about Magnesium (forum.nosmokingday.org.uk/s... and I've been consistent with it for about 3 months now and noticing definite difference. Very calm and balanced, no moodiness, just feeling good.

As with all the side effects of quitting, this too, shall pass soon, Jase. In the meantime, know you're not alone feeling like this. Feel better soon! xx

nsd_user663_5066 profile image
nsd_user663_5066

hmmm... I guess this depression/anxiety thing is yet to come for me. But that wont be anything new to be fair. I've got an anxiety disorder which leads to patches of me being down anyway. So from that respect yeah, i know how it feels. :(

Try to see things on the positive side, whether that be an overused cliche or not. If you panic (which i do anyway, and have been since i quit also) just remember to breathe. Its a lot easier to breathe nowadays eh?

I dont know of much advise because everything like this is always tailored to each person, noone is the same. Be careful of St Johns Wort though. It can be a good lift, but if you actually have severe manic depression, it can act in the opposite way.

Try chammomile tea with honey in it. Exercise everyday, even if its just making sure u walk the dog. Relax, make time to relax, and do something that makes u smile each day. Tomorrow doesnt matter, yesterday has been. Just do what you need to do to laugh today. (that doesnt include tabbin! tut :p)

Yeah this may be a silly "dont say much" kinda post from me. But you know, I know about anxiety. Its a crap! But you know, if anyone does have panic attacks... or find themselves panicking because of the quit... just remember.. it wont kill you, it'll pass... and have a cuppa afterwards ;) makes everything seem that little bit better!

Hope things improve for you Jase. And keep smiling! People underestimate the power of smiling. Tis worth it :p

nsd_user663_5401 profile image
nsd_user663_5401

Oh dear and I thought I was unique!!

My hubby took me to the doctors on Thursday because I had lost the plot completely. I'm not an emotional woman, I am one of those sickly smiley people who enjoys life, however I have turned into a weepy, emotional, anti social old trout!!

The doctor said my depression was caused by my quit and Champix and offered me anti depressants which I declined (at this stage). I have a friend who is a pharmacist and she recommended St Johns Wort AND (for women) vitamin B6 (boots).

Due to me being a geek I did some research on this and obviously as we all know nicotine is addictive (no, shock horror) but does anyone on here know what other chemicals they put in cigarettes? No me neither and there's the problem. The chemicals in the cigarettes give us that 'high' and because I have quit it was created a chemical imbalance.

I have no time scale on how long it takes, but I started my St Johns Wort and B6 (and a good fish oil) and I will let you know.

I'm a straight talking sort of gal, and I remember someone having depression and me saying to someone, hell I wish they would snap out of it!! The phrase backside and bite mean anything to people.

However I have to say that I have the most fantastic, understanding, blonde husband in the world and without him and the Octo beauties I would have thrown myself under a bus (actually a bit dramatic, I would have probably of had a fag!!)

:o

nsd_user663_6596 profile image
nsd_user663_6596

Hi Jase,

As you know I've been blue, also read the nicotine friend thing on why quit and believe it's certainly an element.

Have also read that smokers may be more prone to depression, I think to be honest with myself, that I am prone to ups and downs, and that nictoine addiction has masked that. When life went wrong I had a fag, because I craved the nicotine, now that I'm not having nicotine I just feel what's going on without the temporary relief of cigs.

Back on the St John's wort too, won't lie to myself, I also think that stopping smoking has caused a sea change in me, I've noted others also mentioning taking stock of their lives. I'm not happy in my job, am largely bored and unfullfilled. Can I take the risk of changing to something more rewarding, perhaps. I made a series of changes about 5 years ago by starting running, laying off the booze and finally giving up the fags 6 months ago.

I have been blue because I'm adjusting to life without the mask of nictoine, I'm seeing things differently. I also need to learn how to relax and be kind to myself. Not lambast myself for not doing things. Be happy with the decisions I make. These things aren't caused by stopping smoking, they're unmasked by not needing to feed the nico demon every frigging 20 minutes.

Thanks MAH,

I'm feeling really really scraping bottom of barrel low at the moment, i'm off to see Occy Health on Weds, and was searching for some rationalising words for what the heck its about.... You've helped tremendously. Hugs xx

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