Stress Center Peer Support

Has anybody here stopped smoking and notice any changes in their anxiety? Any tips on how to quit?


Thanks so much

Last May I quit smoking, but unfortunately this past Fedruary I started back up again. When I quit I wasn't having any anxiety problems to begin with, but I didn't really notice much change in my mood or anything. I started back up when my anxiety kicked in and didn't know how to calm myself down. I felt a lot of guilt about it, and plan to quit when I feel a little better.

Physically, I felt much better when I wasn't smoking. I wasn't waking up with sinus problems, or coughing. I felt more refreshed in the mornings, and of course I could breathe better when I was doing stuff like walking.

The habit was the hardest thing for me to get through because I had so many routines with smoking. I would smoke on the computer, smoke in the car, smoke after meals, smoke when I first got up, etc. Taking deep breaths and telling myself that I didn't need a cigarette helped me through all that.

In the beginning, I used the patch for like 3 days, and then just stopped using them and continued cold turkey. It's hard if people around you smoke, or you live in a house with smokers. But if you don't have anyone else around you that smokes, it should be easier.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

Hi Dawfai:
Yes. I quit smoking in 1997. It will be 11 years as of November this year.
I used the patches for 7 days. I had tried several time years before that date and failed.
But when I finally quit, I'd reached the stage that I REALLY wanted to be free more than I wanted to smoke. I'd been a very heavy smoker.

What I found was that, even tho' it was very hard, it wasn't nearly as hard as I had dreaded it to be. I kept busy. I was retired and I could spend all the time I wanted in walking outdoors. I kept busy in the house trying to eliminate that cigarette smell.
Within 12 weeks, I was feeling so much better! And the craving had lessened perceptively. I really felt better.
I still am so happy that I quit!! I think I'd smoked about 40 years. And I'm sure that I damaged my lungs. But doctor's say they sound good now. My heart rate really slowed down. I noticed that right away.
I think you'll like being a non-smoker. You'll be so proud of yourself. It boosts the self-esteem so much to quit.
You'll get the courage to do it.
I wish you success!!!
MaryJane

I quit smoking 5 years ago and have no desire to start up again.

I used the Smoke Away program (which is strictly herbs and vitamins) and I had absolutely no withdrawals whatsoever. None. It was very easy to quit and to remain a nonsmoker.

As a result there was no anxiety involved at all.

I'm glad you're asking. In this day and age "they" make it easy to quit when you are ready.

You can do it!!!!

I had a very hard time quitting. I made several attempts and finally did it using the patch and then later using hypnosis sessions which finally ended it. My anxiety decreased a lot and so did my heart rate. I actually lost weight due to the fact I kept myself very active and busy. I also realized during that time that I desperately needed a different way of dealing with life stress other than reaching for a cigarette. This is where the program helps and I think what has kept me 'smoke free'.

I had quit smoking for a few months and recently started up again. I was having a very bad day anxiety-wise and thaught a cigerette would help me calm down.

After about 5 cigs i started to feel an intense amount of anxiety along with stomach pains and a racing heart.I guess when i was smoking before i got used to the feeling and didn't blame it on smoking.

anyone out there who has quit-don't ever pick up cigs again-it's so hard to get off them and i believe it cause anxious. I've also read that smoking increases your chances of being depressed.

dawfai
I quit about 9 years ago and got a prescription of Welbutrin to do it. In order to get the meds my insurance forced me to take a class on quitting. Some great tips I learned there. One, when you are ready to quit switch to a brand / type of cigarette you don't like. Two, when you feel the craving, take several deep breaths. This is where most of the relaxation comes from as you are inhaling. Three, remind yourself of your cough, your breath, the smell on your fingers and clothes, etc.
The Wellbutrin worked in easing the cravings, but it was still tough. Also, it's an antidepressant, and if you are not depressed it will take away a lot of your personality while taking it. However, I took it for 2 or 3 months, quit and I haven't had a puff since. And in remembering all the negative stuff with smoking, I can honestly say I have only had a few cravings since quitting.
Good luck and go get your pink lungs back.
Tony

I quit 3 years ago. I didn't use medication, I just cut down and finally stopped.

Jumping jacks for 10 minutes does a lot more than smoking a cigarette.