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6 months and still struggling Cancel The title field is required!

1. tam1970

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   15 Jul 2019
   14 Jul 2019

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   I've quit now for a little over 6 months.  My husband and I were quitting together in the new year and he went back to smoking after a couple of weeks and I'm still not even though it was more his idea in the first place.  I think I could be experiencing some depression and anxiety not sure if this is part of the quitting process.  Not sure if this is normal or perhaps I should be looking to go see my doctor.  I quit cold turkey, so I thought after the withdrawal and all that work I should be feeling good about things but I'm not in fact I find decision making a task.. even the smallest decision is difficult to make.  Or is this something that will go away on its own.  I felt that I was a lot happier when I smoked.  
   
2. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   14 Jul 2019

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   Hi tam1970, 
   
   First of all, HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to you for being smoke free for six months!  That is an accomplishment you should be really proud of!  It must have been extremely difficult for you to keep going when your husband gave up the fight.  It shows that you have a lot of inner strength and determination, so give yourself some credit for that.
   
   I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling with anxiety and depression.  Those certainly can be part of the quitting process, because quitting is such a major change for us physically and emotionally, as well as a change to our normal routines.  But it is also possible that these feelings are unrelated to your quitting, so it might be a good idea to see your doctor for some guidance in that regard.
   
   One thing is for sure, though.  You would definitely not be happier if you were still smoking.  Smoking never solved anything.  It just robbed us of our health and our money, and often our self-respect.  And this is one addiction that just doesn't want to let go, so you have to remain vigilant and be prepared to fight back when those kinds of thoughts come creeping in.
   
   Hang in there, tam1970.  You have done something truly amazing.  You quit smoking, which is the best thing you could have ever done for yourself.  You should celebrate your victory and do something that makes you happy.  You deserve to spoil yourself a bit!!!
   
   
   
3. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   15 Jul 2019 in reply to tam1970

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   tam1970,
   
   I quit cold turkey on January 01, so I am just over 6 months quit as well.
   
   Everyone's quit is different, but in my case the last few months have been a steady improvement in mood and attitude.
   
   Having experienced depression in the past, I can tell you that it is worth getting checked out for it.
4. jenna c, quit coach

   

   58 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2018
   15 Jul 2019 in reply to tam1970

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   Good morning tam 1970,
   
   First of all congratulations on making it to the 6 month milestone of quitting! We are sorry to hear that you may be struggling with anxiety and depression.
   
   Studies have shown that quitting smoking usually reduces anxiety and depression however if you have history of these conditions than its recommended that you see your doctor or health care professional. Counseling or a support group can also be helpful.
   
   Please don't give up and be proud of the hard work you have put into quitting.
   If you need further assistance please call us at Smokers' Helpline-  1-877-513-5333.
   
   All the best to you!
   
   Jenna C
   
5. efreeman75

   

   296 posts
   Registered:
   02 Apr 2018
   15 Jul 2019

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   Hi tam1970, and welcome to the forum.
   
   6 months!!!  That's awesome!!!
   
   Quitting smoking is the biggest single decision you can make to improve your health.
   
   Regardless of what studies say, my anxiety and depression went through the roof about a month into my quit.  I did go see my doctor about it, and suggest you could do the same.  My doctor explained that I was 'normal' - although he wouldn't put it in writing so I could prove it to my wife!  It was probably about month 7-8 where things started to level out.  And now, things are better than ever.
   
   Smoking was so ingrained into our lives that, by quitting, we need to re-learn how to do many basic things.
   
   Don't fall for the trap that smoking will fix anything - I promise you it won't.
   
   Again, welcome and congratulations again on your 6+ months!
   
   E
   
6. tam1970

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   15 Jul 2019
   21 Jul 2019 in reply to efreeman75

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   Thank you for the words of wisdom :) things have settled down a lot lately especially since I joined this forum it’s helped immensely.  I am very determined to stay quit.  I have also made a doctors appointment, even though I have been feeling much better this week with this journey.