Post by Ann on Jul 16, 2009 8:21:47 GMT -5
Depression When You Quit Smoking
Depression is an issue of focus for many who
quit smoking. At times, quitting smoking is an
extremely difficult thing to do, and it is difficult
enough when you're feeling happy. I would
venture to guess that many people have
relapsed during periods of depression; it is
more difficult to stay focused and maintain
resolve and motivation. For those people who
suffer bouts of depression during the
cessation process, the condition is usually mild
and temporary.
People who have been diagnosed and or
treated for depression prior to quitting
smoking should monitor any changes in
symptoms carefully as they begin and move
forward in their smoke-free journey. Some
may experience changes in their symptoms,
which may necessitate a change in treatment.
If you experience drastic mood changes when
you quit smoking, or if they persist for an
extended period of time, a visit with your
physician is advisable.
If you find yourself suffering the more common
temporary emotional upset, try to relax and
let the feelings come as they will. Quitting is a
big change in lifestyle, and you will react, to
some degree, both emotionally and physically.
And think about it; there really is no reason to
deny your emotions; they are personal, and
they belong to you.
While quitting smoking, the body and the mind
are in a state of transition, and it's not
uncommon for new ex-smokers to struggle
with their emotions.
Gratitude
It helps to build up a reservoir of gratitude.
When you're feeling down and having a
difficult time finding the positives, quitting
smoking is always there; you can always feel
good about that. Take time at the end of the
day to acknowledge the importance of what
you are working to accomplish. It will help you
fill that resevoir. Find comfort in knowing that
you are being kind to your body. Gratitude will
help offset negative feelings and make it
easier for you to manage depression due to
quitting tobacco.
Change Your Mind
One of the greatest challenges new ex-
smokers face is a very important change in
perspective. It is that shift in thinking from
seeing smoking as an exercise in deprivation
to realizing that it is in fact one of the best
gifts you've ever given to yourself. This is a
crucial step in the process, and it is with this
transformation that many see the symptoms
of depression begin to lift.
While you are moving through this transitional
period, crying, whining, and even screaming
are all preferable to inhaling deadly chemicals.
Early in the quitting process, some resort to
lighting up because they perceive smoking to
be something that offers comfort.
Smoking is not comforting; it is familiar.
Time away from smoking makes it less familiar;
you'll begin to see nicotine for what it is...a
highly addictive drug which robs people of time
with those they love and seeks to kill, one puff
at a time...if you let it. Give yourself time to
develop new and healthier coping strategies.
Don't buy the lie. There is never a good
reason to light up.
It's likely that many of you who are feeling
down, felt happy recently. You'll feel that way
again. In the meantime, you can find comfort
in turning to your friends, your family, or your
faith. In time, these will become the more
familiar sources of comfort to you, and
smoking will become that thing that you
thought used to make you feel better. Take
comfort too, in knowing that millions of people
have been through this process and not only
have they lived to tell about it, but many
include it among the most rewarding and life-
affirming experiences of their lives.
So, if you've quit smoking in the last few
weeks or months and are feeling blue, please
be patient with yourself. You are going
through some big changes, and your body and
mind need some time to adjust. Do any little
things you can think of to give yourself a little
lift. Rent a comedy, try a new hairstyle, call a
friend, go shopping; spend a little of the
money you're saving since you quit, and buy
yourself something special. Keep reminding
yourself that it is a temporary state, and you'll
find happier days ahead; with them will come
a tremendous sense of pride and
empowerment.
Some information for this article obtained from:
National Institute of Mental Health - Depression
Found at Quitnet
Depression is an issue of focus for many who
quit smoking. At times, quitting smoking is an
extremely difficult thing to do, and it is difficult
enough when you're feeling happy. I would
venture to guess that many people have
relapsed during periods of depression; it is
more difficult to stay focused and maintain
resolve and motivation. For those people who
suffer bouts of depression during the
cessation process, the condition is usually mild
and temporary.
People who have been diagnosed and or
treated for depression prior to quitting
smoking should monitor any changes in
symptoms carefully as they begin and move
forward in their smoke-free journey. Some
may experience changes in their symptoms,
which may necessitate a change in treatment.
If you experience drastic mood changes when
you quit smoking, or if they persist for an
extended period of time, a visit with your
physician is advisable.
If you find yourself suffering the more common
temporary emotional upset, try to relax and
let the feelings come as they will. Quitting is a
big change in lifestyle, and you will react, to
some degree, both emotionally and physically.
And think about it; there really is no reason to
deny your emotions; they are personal, and
they belong to you.
While quitting smoking, the body and the mind
are in a state of transition, and it's not
uncommon for new ex-smokers to struggle
with their emotions.
Gratitude
It helps to build up a reservoir of gratitude.
When you're feeling down and having a
difficult time finding the positives, quitting
smoking is always there; you can always feel
good about that. Take time at the end of the
day to acknowledge the importance of what
you are working to accomplish. It will help you
fill that resevoir. Find comfort in knowing that
you are being kind to your body. Gratitude will
help offset negative feelings and make it
easier for you to manage depression due to
quitting tobacco.
Change Your Mind
One of the greatest challenges new ex-
smokers face is a very important change in
perspective. It is that shift in thinking from
seeing smoking as an exercise in deprivation
to realizing that it is in fact one of the best
gifts you've ever given to yourself. This is a
crucial step in the process, and it is with this
transformation that many see the symptoms
of depression begin to lift.
While you are moving through this transitional
period, crying, whining, and even screaming
are all preferable to inhaling deadly chemicals.
Early in the quitting process, some resort to
lighting up because they perceive smoking to
be something that offers comfort.
Smoking is not comforting; it is familiar.
Time away from smoking makes it less familiar;
you'll begin to see nicotine for what it is...a
highly addictive drug which robs people of time
with those they love and seeks to kill, one puff
at a time...if you let it. Give yourself time to
develop new and healthier coping strategies.
Don't buy the lie. There is never a good
reason to light up.
It's likely that many of you who are feeling
down, felt happy recently. You'll feel that way
again. In the meantime, you can find comfort
in turning to your friends, your family, or your
faith. In time, these will become the more
familiar sources of comfort to you, and
smoking will become that thing that you
thought used to make you feel better. Take
comfort too, in knowing that millions of people
have been through this process and not only
have they lived to tell about it, but many
include it among the most rewarding and life-
affirming experiences of their lives.
So, if you've quit smoking in the last few
weeks or months and are feeling blue, please
be patient with yourself. You are going
through some big changes, and your body and
mind need some time to adjust. Do any little
things you can think of to give yourself a little
lift. Rent a comedy, try a new hairstyle, call a
friend, go shopping; spend a little of the
money you're saving since you quit, and buy
yourself something special. Keep reminding
yourself that it is a temporary state, and you'll
find happier days ahead; with them will come
a tremendous sense of pride and
empowerment.
Some information for this article obtained from:
National Institute of Mental Health - Depression
Found at Quitnet
