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Post by Dot on Oct 20, 2005 11:06:23 GMT -5
New quitters (and long term ones with good memories) know that the first couple of weeks are fraught with roller-coaster emotions. We deal with these any way we can. It helps to come here, whether we want to laugh, rant, or just express what we're going through in the company of others who have been down this road. However, as soon as I mentioned being "sad", I got the "pity party" routine. Is being sad a taboo subject these days?
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Post by Don on Oct 20, 2005 11:56:19 GMT -5
I responded to you with "pity party" because you didn't want to be recognized for your week of achievement, but for being victim to addiction. I am proud of you whether you acknowledge your accomplishments or not.
Sadness isn't taboo. It's a very persistent part of our existence. I, however, do not find it particularly enjoyable.
Sorry, but I'm not going to feed your sadness. Falling into a depression about a slip can bring about a relapse into full-blown smoking again. Quiting is the primary purpose of this place and I can see the danger depression will do to a quit.
You came here and posted, that tells me that you want to be acknowledged. I will acknowledge your triumphs by far over your pitfalls. Your quickest way out of the hole is to climb back up...not pitch a tent and make camp. Please, do not dwell on the bad, look at the good - the bright side of things. Focus on that which brings happiness and make happiness a reality.
Please continue to use the board to get those emotions out. This place is most helpful.
I do not mean to injure you. I am sorry if I have. I truly wish you the best and cheer your success.
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Post by ncpops on Oct 20, 2005 13:39:13 GMT -5
Hi Dot, I used anti-depresants & anxiety medicine. Still do. At a certain age and if affected with some disease, the mind set can change quite a bit. The world doesn't feel right, you feel neglected, etc, etc.
Smoking amplifies certain receptors to forget aches, pains, fears, hunger ... and I found when I quit that mind & medicine went side by side. The desire to quit, the determination to quit, start & quit again. It took 10 tries for me.
We all become depressed & stressed somewhere in life. Don't be afraid to seek professional help. You've taken a step toward a smokeless life, get all the help you can.
Jimpops
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Post by judyb on Oct 20, 2005 14:04:11 GMT -5
(((Dot))) Quitting smoking is a bi*ch. Nothing less. The rollercoaster emotions unfortunately are part of it. I've been on antidepressants since my quit. I recoginize the fact that I need it to keep emotionally fit. I have also tried to keep a positive mental attitude. It works until my raging hormones get in the way. It does help to look at the bright side of everything. I learned that after taking a class by Brian Tracy. (http://briantracy.com/) In that class, this one paragraph has stuck in my mind and has helped me thru quite a few rough times: "Everything that you allow to influence your thinking affects you subconscious mind. Thus, whatever you allow into your mind affects your values, your expectations, your attitudes, your beliefs and ultimately, your potential as a human being. The great difference between human beings is what they feed into their minds on a regular basis" We're here to support you whether you're laughing or crying, remember that!!!!!
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Post by Ann on Oct 20, 2005 18:05:19 GMT -5
No, it's not taboo. We do need to address this sadness instead of skirting around it all the time. "I miss my friend", that comes to mind first so grieve for the loss. It was your constant companion through good times and bad, happy, sad, fighting with the spouse, yelling at the kids, working in the yard, making dinner, reading a book, watching TV, driving, talking on the phone, at the computer. It was with us at every turn in our lives and we need to say good-bye properly.
If this is not just a good bye then it may be something more and you may need to speak with your doctor. I remember at the old Just4U board that someone took a poll, there were at least half of us on anti-depressants so it is nothing to be ashamed of. Nicotine plays tricks on our brains and actually masks a mild depression so when you quit it plays havoc with our systems.
Like Judyb said "Quitting is a #itch!"
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Post by Elaine on Oct 21, 2005 17:37:18 GMT -5
You are absolutely right; the first weeks are sheer hell. It's not easy to quit and we all know that. I commend you for telling us you slipped. I do think you should learn from this slip and move on. Use this experience to strengthen your quit; don't let it deter you from staying quit!
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Post by MK on Oct 28, 2005 18:03:09 GMT -5
I can feel the sadness, and I remember it well. It was like losing a best friend. I felt that way for about 2 months, then the smoke cloud cleared and I realized what I had been doing to my mind and body for the past 30 years. I am still battling weight, and that gets me sad, but would I want to start smoking those things again, no way.
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