quit tip

[historyteach]

Anti-Depressants?

Some depression is caused by addiction (and abstinence from it); some is masked by addiction and uncovered during abstinence. You MAY need some type of med, natural or otherwise, to break the underlying depression patterns- OR- you may need to develop alternative methods of dealing with depression/anxiety (like deep breathing, meditation, physical exercise). Cognitive-behavioral therapy, while demanding the most participation at first, can be extremely effective in folks whose depression isn't purely organic in nature. St. John's Wort and Kava Kava are used by many ex-smokers to treat mild depression (though Kava Kava is actually an anti-anxiety herb- not usually helpful in treating more severe depression; it has a very mild tranquilizing effect). Early in your quit is usually too soon to be able to diagnose a chronic depressive tendency. Wait and see how you're feeling around the six-month mark (though you should stay in contact with your doc).

Hope this helps....
Shalom!