I really need some help...

[nsd_user663_38928]

Hi guys

I really need everyones help and support with my quit.

Until recently, I did very well in my first attempt to quit smoking after almost 20 years. I stopped smoking on 16 December 2010, but suffered a relapse on 10 January 2011. I almost made it a whole month smoke free.

I'm determined to keep going, however. But I'm going to need some help, and I know this is the place to get it.

I can cope with the temptations to smoke, and my motivation to quit is unquestionable. I don't have many strong cravings anymore and I've got my NRT of choice to assist me should I need it. Altogether, I've got most things covered. Except one:

I keep having these terrible reoccuring thoughts that I've left it too late to quit and that I've already sealed my fate. I've posted about this before, and I've had some very encouraging and helpful feedback. The problem is, I'm having real difficulty coping with these thoughts. And when they're particularly strong, I'm at my weekest.

I'm seeing a counsellor at the moment as I'm having a few issues in regards to my mental health. As such, this is one of a few obsessive thoughts that are making my life somewhat challenging at the moment. I'm a little affraid of asking you guys for your help because I'm aware that I can be very repetitive in discussing my thoughts -- I will likely keep wanting to be reasured over and over again about the same thing. I'm affraid that this may come accross as anoying or frustrating to some. That's why I thought it best to be honest. If there's anyone who doesn't mind having to answer the same question more than once, or constantly trying to find ways to address the same issues, then I'd certainly appreciate it.

I'm trying to battle my addiction and my mental health at the same time, so it's quite challenging, so I hope you understand.

[nsd_user663_6426]

Very brave Legs...to admit to yourself and others the issues you have...so glad you're seeing a counsellor too.

Erm.....I suppose the way I see it is in probabilities.....

That by stopping smoking now you are giving your body the highest chance possible of repairing itself and limiting the damage to itself from smoking.

By carrying on smoking...then you are increasing the probability that you will be effected by smoking related illnesses.

It's a bit like playing chicken on the motorway....obviously the more times you play chicken the more chance you are of being run over and dying....why play this game if you don't have to....it's about choice, you don't have to smoke if you don't want to.

It's the same for any addiction....addiction to food, alcohol and drugs. It's the longevity of the addiction that kills people in the end, it's not one or two burgers or glass of wine....it's the accumulation of the addiction that nobbles you in the end... It's that fag after thousands and thousands of others that triggers a heart attack or abnormal cell division. Get off this killer bus before it's untimely journeys end.

Good luck Legs...you'll do it I'm sure.

Lisa x

[nsd_user663_38928]

Thanks

Thank you Lisa.

I think you explained that very well. And makes a lot of sence to me. Brought me back to down to earth a bit

Thanks again. x

[nsd_user663_6426]

I s'pose I have a theory about excesses......any excess in life is bad for you.

Eating in excess, dieting in excess, boozing to excess, smoking to excess, wanting sex in excess (yes, might sound like a good thing but causes problems for many people), being too serious all the time, not being serious and on and on and on......anything in excess can all cause problems, some more severe than others.

We've had our time smoking to excess and now it's time to stop before it stops you...reign it in....smoking's had it's day, it's getting boring so let's find something better to do.

Lisa x

[nsd_user663_38928]

How freaky!

I was discussing the EXACT same thing with a work colleague earlier today!

I certainly like the comparison with the burger - that really helped me get a bit more perspective. I also liked the way you refered to the fact that we 'choose' to smoke. Again, very insightful.

Thanks again, Lisa

[nsd_user663_32615]

Hi Legs - sorry to hear that you are struggling.

It occurs to me that given your recurrent concerns about your health, the chances are that you have discussed this with your GP and had various health checks along the way? And found nothing seriously wrong? If so, there is your answer! I remember going for a chest xray a few years ago and being told that the NHS spends a fortune on running diagnostic tests for the "worried well".

I was always the exact opposite to you, and was completely reckless about my health. Very much of the "Well, you've got to die of something" school. I continued to smoke for years after being diagnosed with an incurable, progressive lung disease. Six months down the line from quitting, I can see how stupid this was, but that's the nature of this addiction.

Looking at your signature, I smoked as heavily, but for twice as long as you. If I had knocked this on the head after 20 years, then frankly, I would have been fine with no real long term damage.

I suspect that nothing any of us can say will stop you worrying, but hope that this gives you some perspective.