Depression

[CptObvious1972]

Urgh!!

I stopped smoking just over a couple of weeks ago. I feel quite proud of myself; I'd smoked for 30 years, heavily. Anyway, the first week was fine, sailed through it (cold turkey) but since then... OMG!!! I'm so sad all the time, and start crying for no reason at all.

I feel drained, miserable and dead inside. I'm trying so hard to stay positive but it's an uphill, minute by minute battle in my head. I know it'll pass, eventually; I just wondered what other people's experiences were and how long it took before it started to get better - I'm hoping it'll give me something to look forward to!

Thanks all X

[CptObvious1972 7 MONTH WINNER]

Oh, and I should also say - physically I haven't felt so good in years since I stopped... but when I was smoking I hardly ever felt miserable etc. URGH!!

[glolin LONG TERM WINNER]

HI CPT..you are doing awesome with your quit 😀😀

What you a feeling is a very typical response to your body adjusting to not having all those Nast chemicals found in cigarettes.

We all quit differently and experience different symptoms of recovery. If you haven't already done so, do have a read of the pinned posts on the right as there is lots of info to help get through these tougher times.

Try and turn negative thoughts into positives..try not to see it as giving up something..instead see it has taking back control...working on the psychological aspect really does help make the journey easier.

it certainly is a roller coaster ride of emotions..but you can do this..each new day you get a little stronger and better at taking charge 😀😀🍀🍀🚭🚭🚭🚭

[Hidden]

Good morning Cpt☕️☕️

Isn't quitting terrible... I was exhausted and depressed but ya know... Our quit support family ... You included now.... Gave me such support and encouragement every time I wanted to light up which was every day 😂😂😂 And some how, I just kept going and posting hahaha every single day!!!!  You will get there and it probably won't take as long as me.... I used smoking like an antidepressant ... A total psychological dependence because  I witnessed a tragic death of my soulmate and I couldn't cope anymore so I became seriously addicted... NEVER thought I would go through such hell..... You're a winner... I can tell... Hang in there with your depression..

Sending love and best wishes from 🇨🇦 xxxx

[RajatSmokeFree 6 MONTH WINNER in reply to Hidden]

Sorry to hear that! I can imagine how strong you must'v been to quit. You are a true winner.

[Hidden in reply to RajatSmokeFree]

Welcome Ragat💐 Wow .. You're in the hardest month 👏👏👏👏👏👏🎉🎉🎉🎉 And many thanks for your kind words❤️👍🏻 I take one day at a time and keep my reason close why I need to stay off cigarettes... The people on this site are always here for each other...All the best!!!

[jillygirl Administrator Queen Bee]

Cpt, dont feel your the odd one out.  This  depression is not unusual.  Your body is adjusting and it does get better.  I remember crying  for no reason at all when I first stopped.   So hang in there.  Your doing great. xx

[dunn 15 Month Winner]

'Had a similar experience in early weeks of withdrawal but eventually passed.  If serious then a visit to GP (or similar) might help.  I think a lot of folks experience this to some degree.

[Briarwood Administrator Ducky]

Yes unfortunately another lovely side effect of quitting😩 You are grieving for the little white stick that try's so hard to kill us and make us sick😱 You have lost an enemy not a friend. Have a read of the pinned post Friend or Foe and then you choose which👍🏼

You're doing great, so be proud and this too shall pass🚭🚭🚭😊

[Maddyg]

Hi cpt, you have had some really great advice, I found the depression hard and still comes now and again , but not for long now. We are all very different, but for me I felt that if it did not pass I would have gone to see my GP , rather than smoke again. I too 30 years , so smoking was a big part of our life. Just shows you how bad the addiction is, and what it does. You can do this , hang on in, it will get easier x

[wendywoo66 LONG TERM WINNER]

Hi

I really feel for you because I tried to stop smoking a couple of years ago and I was so depressed I didn't feel I had a reason to get out of bed in the mornings. I used to jump out of bed for my first few cigarettes with coffee and when that was gone I felt all of my pleasure had gone out of life. I don't want to encourage you to start smoking again but it sounds like you have become very depressed. When this happened to me my life was rubbish at the time and my cigarettes got me through the days. I had lost my beautiful house in the 2009 credit crunch and ended up in a tiny one bedroom flat and I had to drop out of university and work in a café clearing tables for three years. But most of all I was penniless and couldn't afford to smoke. I was so hard up that I thought that the money I would save would make my life more bearable. But in fact it made it more unbearable. Yes it's very hard to give up smoking! But is it really the quitting that is making you so unhappy? You have to quit at a time that is right for you and when you have a good chance of success. If you have a lot of stress in your life at the moment maybe it's not a good time. I am in a much better place now! I returned to university and finished my degree and I have landed my dream job and I have recently bought another house that I love. And do you know what?? Giving up smoking has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done. Just remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. I wish you every success