Day 18 without smoking, question...
1000 Post Club
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 1,202
Day 18 without smoking, question...
Can it cause anxiety *especially if you're also stopping drinking with it* that can make you panic, feel fearful, and scared even without a craving?
Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 11
Yes, it can absolutely cause those emotions. If you really think about it, when you experiences the beginnings of any of those before quitting, you probably dealt with them by lighting up. I don't know about the drinking part, but I'd imagine that would only make things harder. I experienced exactly what you're talking about. Know that it DOES get better. About the only advice I can give you is to take long, slow deep breaths. I'm just finishing month 2 of not smoking and it's getting much, much easier. Good luck to you!!!!
1000 Post Club
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 1,202
Anxiety is crazy, everyday I wake up with it lightly... then it grows, and grows and then gets worse at nighttime... can't even hear loud sudden noises without flipping out or even moving without having some anxiety... I get the sweats/chills... and this has been day 20 without drinkin/smokin, I would have assumed I'd be semi better by now.
To Life!
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 9,293
When I quit, the smoke cessation counselor said that we used to take a break when we smoked. We'd stop for a bit, and have that time to think, relax, plan etc...
When we quit, we lose that "down time." So, we just keep on going. But, we *need* that time for ourselves. So, we have to take the time, just without the smoking!
Give yourself a few minutes every once in a while to relax. Take a mini mind vacation. Meditate for five. Create a mental image that will take you away. These types of stragegies will help ease the stress and panic that you are dealing with.
Of course, if it continues or gets worse, do see your doctor. But, try those ideas first.
And don't forget to exercise. It does wonders for anxiety!
Shalom!
When we quit, we lose that "down time." So, we just keep on going. But, we *need* that time for ourselves. So, we have to take the time, just without the smoking!
Give yourself a few minutes every once in a while to relax. Take a mini mind vacation. Meditate for five. Create a mental image that will take you away. These types of stragegies will help ease the stress and panic that you are dealing with.
Of course, if it continues or gets worse, do see your doctor. But, try those ideas first.
And don't forget to exercise. It does wonders for anxiety!
Shalom!
Forum Leader
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The Burgh
Posts: 1,991
A few thoughts to add...
I had to cut out caffiene. I realized that even that one cup of coffee in the morning set me off. I had always been sensitive to caffiene so I guess this sent me over the edge.
I got to the point i had to take a mild anxiety reducer. Again, pretty sensitive to meds so I had to tread carefully there and I take 1/2 the normal dosage so I don't fall asleep at work
But...there's some good/bad stuff too. And this is the stuff that keeps me going forward.
My gums now bleed pretty much every morning and evening when I brush. I have decent oral health so this is not normal. I read that for the first time in 30 years I have normal blood flow to the tissues in my mouth and face because the nicotine isn't restricting the vessels!
Who would have guessed?!
I had to cut out caffiene. I realized that even that one cup of coffee in the morning set me off. I had always been sensitive to caffiene so I guess this sent me over the edge.
I got to the point i had to take a mild anxiety reducer. Again, pretty sensitive to meds so I had to tread carefully there and I take 1/2 the normal dosage so I don't fall asleep at work
But...there's some good/bad stuff too. And this is the stuff that keeps me going forward.
My gums now bleed pretty much every morning and evening when I brush. I have decent oral health so this is not normal. I read that for the first time in 30 years I have normal blood flow to the tissues in my mouth and face because the nicotine isn't restricting the vessels!
Who would have guessed?!
Live, Laugh, Love
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Between Fenway and the Beach!
Posts: 1,301
Hi all!
When i quit, i went through h*ll....what really helped me was when i was feeling the need for some relief of anxiety or wanting to smoke i would take in deep, deep inhaling breathes. Almost like the action of smoking and it DEFINITELY curbed those cravings. I've been 3 1/2 years and sometimes i still do it to get by a tough moment.
You guys are doing awesome, keep up the great work! :ghug
When i quit, i went through h*ll....what really helped me was when i was feeling the need for some relief of anxiety or wanting to smoke i would take in deep, deep inhaling breathes. Almost like the action of smoking and it DEFINITELY curbed those cravings. I've been 3 1/2 years and sometimes i still do it to get by a tough moment.
You guys are doing awesome, keep up the great work! :ghug
Forum Leader
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The Burgh
Posts: 1,991
Originally Posted by PaperDolls 
I'm having a hell of a time too.
I am just flabbergasted that the heebie jeebie could hang on this long.
If someone could just point out the end in sight I'd feel a little better.
I really hope when this is said and done I still have a job, a friend, and a BF.
:sorry
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
