I am a newbie and have never used any kind of forum before so bear with me.
Just over 3 weeks ago gave up smoking (20 - 25 a day for on and off 45 years), using patches, first 3 days were brilliant, no withdrawal, calm and feeling I had made a good choice to do it.............. but ...on day 4 all hell let loose, rapid heart beat, anxiety and panic attacks. I have suffered from mental health (depression, anxiety and panic) problems in the past and did not want to go back there. Struggled on for another week, then stop smoking nurse and GP agreed due to past history should go back to smoking but only half of previous level and reduce slowly.
Gave up on patches due to extreme side effects and am managing on 6 - 8 ciggs a day. still not feeling myself but no where near as bad and I suppose I am just looking for some reassurance that all the mental (anxiety and sadness) and physical (muscle aches similar to gym work out, headaches and chest pain) symptoms are normal withdrawal and they will get easier, as I am determined to be smoke free, even if it will take a bit longer then just going cold turkey.
Yes. All of that is normal, in fact feeling completely abnormal is normal. There are some people who can quit without any of that but a lot of us get the anxiety, mood swings and anger as well as the physical “quitter’s flu” symptoms. It does go away!
So are you currently still smoking but planning to quit?
Thank you for your reply. Yes I am still smoking, average 6 a day and without the patches for 3 days now. I have the determination to quit all together it is just my mind that plays the fear game on me. I WILL get there though
Yeah, I think it’s the fear of what could happen that’s the worst thing. Have you considered trying something that will give you more of a nicotine hit if the anxiety kicks off? (Inhalator, e-cig, mist spray) You get a steady release with the patches so there’s no quick relief if a craving hits. Just a suggestion.
Ss57..Welcome and thank you for honestly sharing your fears.
For me quitting was one of the most difficult things I have done in my life after 38 years constant smoking and not even trying to quit...Because I had a good companion with me all the time ...My cigarettes in my shirts top pocket !!
It took me almost a lifetime to get the truth...It is not my friend it is killing me...and I also quit with that fear in my heart but now 2 and half years further I look back and can't believe my stupidity..Smoking does nothing to help you cope with life's curve balls ...It is a false euphoria..It is only us that can make our own happiness..
Believe me it is a new life not smoking ..Amazing ..wonderful...and you can do it because you want it..Stay strong and keep us informed of your reduction, if it works it will be excellent for you...It is a beginning but zero nicotine should be your target...!
Thanks for your words of support. Zero is definitely my target and yes you are right about it being excellent without smoking. The 3 days I had in the beginning showed me how good it can be and that is where I want to get back to
hi Hidden
sadness is a part of stopping,you have lost your best friend,so you think.
if you have had depression (iv been there) you will think having a fag will end all your stress,but it wont,you will have to go through the days again,
it's not easy,not at all,but you are stronger than you think,
I tried many things to help me stop,nothing helped me untill I started vape,and that worked for me ,I did have a fall at 6 months (two-three hours of smoking) then the quilt hit and I stoped again,so far so good.
you can do this,smoking cant help you with depression,sadness,the blue's
Huge welcome to our community Hidden - the anxiety, sadness and yes, depression is all perfectly normal withdrawals from nicotine no matter what way we stop, cold turkey or using patches etc.....- after 3 days, the mind and body begins the very hard work of gradually rewiring, repairing and recovering and for every day that passes smoke free, the stronger and less severe and frequent these withdrawals become, I promise I am almost 2 and half years smoke free cold turkey and experienced a roller coaster of emotions and withdrawals in the beginning but it is so worth it to feel and appreciate my life so much more now smoke free.
To help with these withdrawals, there is a few tips as noted in below pinned post.
Knowledge is vital in our journeys, so read up as much as you can here (pinned posts and other members journeys). Wishing you strength to reduce the cigarettes down to zero and to reading your Day 1 post, keep posting to let us us how you are getting on, might be a little motivator for you if you keep in touch with us. You CAN do this
Welcome Hidden - can't add any more to the excellent advice above, especially the tip sheet link Roisin attached in her reply to you, the deep breathing exercises are very effective - 2 years on and I still do them from time to time....
Looking forward to reading your start of your quit very soon!
I've had anxiety since quitting too. It kind of gradually happened because of other stuff that was going on - and I'm having trouble shaking it. But I'm now 12 weeks quit, and so glad I did that - even with the anxiety. It's so worth it.
I've found magnesium supplements help a lot with stress pain/tension in the chest/back.
Today I'm starting on multivitamins because I've heard that they can help with low mood/insomnia - and all kinds of other healing effects on your body. I also eat healthy, and listen to guided meditations on youtube.
Cut out caffeine - it increases anxiety - I drink decaf tea now. Eat nuts and fruits, drink plenty of water.
Exercise as much and as often as you can - not easy when you're down I know. Also get out and about even/especially when you don't feel like it. Gotta push through this thing.
I really feel for you - sometimes it can be really tough. But you're not alone and I'm sure we will get through this.
Welcome Newbie and i was in your shoes myself. This forum is great and wouldn't of made it this far without it (5 months on March 11.) you should ask your doctor about taking St. John's Wort or Vitamin B complex. These are both over the counter and inexpensive to help with withdrawal depression sadness and so on. Good luck and stay in touch. 😊
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I am almost 2 and half years smoke free cold turkey and experienced a roller coaster of emotions and withdrawals in the beginning but it is so worth it to feel and appreciate my life so much more now smoke free.
Oh , suddenly a sense of struggling and weird feelings 
Struggling today 
Brief New Year's Post.
84 days quit and still struggling
59 days and counting. Im new to this .