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Feeling anxious about my quit day (this coming Sunday) Cancel

1. lichelwa

   

   1 posts
   Registered:
   20 Mar 2018
   06 Apr 2018

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   Hi! I'm new to the forum first time posting. So my quit day is this Sunday and boy am I anxious!! I've started to grind my teeth at night, whenever I think about quitting, I experience shortness of breath and all of the other signs of anxiety. I'm not on any meds and don't want to be. Most of the time talking about it helps and since no one is available right now, here I am.
   I guess I don't understand why I would be anxious about this time when I have never been anxious about quitting before (this is my 3rd time). I wonder if it's because deep down I know that this is the final time. Maybe it's because cancer runs in my family (and various other forms of smoking related illnesses) and sometimes I wonder if I'm too late. Sometimes I think to myself well that smoke probably did it. Now you have emphysema. I'm probably stressing myself out more than the actual anxiety. It's just that it's hard not to think about the possible health risks that I've already opened and continue to open myself up to. I have 2 days left to smoke. Wondering if I should move my quit day up a day or 2 or would that affect my chances of success?
   
   Lisa. soon to be smoke free:)
2. eagerquit

   

   415 posts
   Registered:
   07 Mar 2018
   06 Apr 2018

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   Hi Lisa,
   
   Any change can be a stress. We tend to settle into the tested and proven path and prefer not to stray off it into the unknown. I resisted leaving cigarettes behind for a very long time until the disadvantages became overwhelming for me. I had heart surgery as a result of my long time smoking and that was the beginning of the end for me and smoking. I quit a month ago and hung my hat here in the smokers help line forums for support. A support group is always a good idea.
   
   Wishing you every success.
   
   Eagerquit
   
   
3. ocean

   

   286 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   06 Apr 2018

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   Hi lichelwa,
   It takes time to quit becuase of all of the anxiety we carry.  But just thinking of all you've been thinking of is mindful and aware, so bravo.  If you weren't contemplating a quit, all of these thoughts and realities would be shoved to your unconsciousnes.  I had to build it up bit by bit, kept coming back to the forums, and reduced my smoking every week.  I got down to 13 cigarettes a day, and hit a bump, so used NRT to stop for good.  Its not as fast as one would think, just do your best!  I also got help from the quit coachs here, and at my heart institue and from everyone else who is doing this.  They all have your back.
4. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   06 Apr 2018

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   Hi Lisa,
   
   It's perfectly normal to feel stressed out when thinking about quitting.  After all, most of us have smoked all our lives, so quitting is a really big deal.
   
   I remember it crossed my mind that I should have quit years ago.  But the reality is, you can't change the past.  You just have to deal with the here and now and plan for the future.  Anyway, I also realized that I just wasn't ready to quit years ago.  But this was my time and I just made it happen.
   
   It may well be that in the back of your mind, you are thinking that this time must really be it for you, too.  I wouldn't move up my date if I were you unless you truly want to.  Otherwise, stick to your plan.  The fact that you are giving this so much thought is a really good thing.  The more prepared you are, the more likely you are to have a successful quit.
   
   Good luck, and keep posting.  We are here for you.
5. nadia, quit coach

   

   51 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   07 Apr 2018

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   Hi Lisa,
   
   It's absolutely normal to feel anxious about your upcoming quit date. It's a big change and it can bring a lot of uncertainty. It sounds like you have put a lot of thought into this and it shows the level of commitment into this quit. Rest assured that it's never too late to quit, every day you are smoke free, you are putting chances on your side. Try not to look too much ahead and really take it one day at a time and don't beat yourself up if you add a day or two. This is a process and we are all rooting for you!
   As you can see, this forum is a great place to share and get encouragement from fellow members!
   
   If you need to speak to a Quit Coach, don't hesitate to call us at 1-877-513-5333
   
   Thanks everyone. To being/staying smoke free.