Giving up smoking is it really that important

[billy27]

Okay I know it is, I've done it before then I started again stupidly it's been 5 years now. I've smoked since I was 17 I'm now 26 I can't afford to smoke, it stinks disgustingly and I hate being judged for smoking out and about.
I am scared of giving up and the low mood that comes, I'm scared that I might get depression as I read that's a symptom to expect when giving up? Please tell me stories of how you gave up and the benefits you've felt since. I do suffer with anxiety sometimes so I think I'm worried incase it gets worse and I can't cope etc.

Yes it really is important. I quit cold turkey at 30 (pack a day since 16) and it feels like one of my greatest achievements. And actually it was so much easier than I thought it would be, especially after first 3 weeks. It’s so lovely not stinking, not having to worry about whether I had enough fags or money to buy them, not having to stand outside in the snow to smoke. Read Alan Carr’s book and give it a go.

I was a heavy smoker (30 cigarettes per day and sometimes more) for years. Quit cold turkey as I hated the stench, the feeling of guilt, the waste of money and risk for health and ofcourse wrinkled skin! I felt utterly shit for a few days but told myself that each day would get better..and it did!
I also bought myself something nice with the money I saved from not smoking each weekend.
Just count on feeling shit for a while, you have to get trough this!

And after you managed to quit, treat yourself like a ‘dry alcoholic’ (they never drink just 1 beer or a glass of wine because it immediately triggers the addiction). No more cigarettes. Not even 1. Not during a break up, party etc, etc. One will lead to another, to buying a pack ‘just for this evening/ weekend’ and the addiction will be back in no time.

BTW I am 2 years a non smoker and never want to go back to being one.

I didn’t feel any depression but if you do that could be manageable. Why don’t you discuss with your GP your worries? Hopefully they will help put in a contingency plan in case your mood crashes.

I will give the book a go! Did any of you suffer with depression or anxiety after? Or did it pass and you was ok?

I wish I had quit when I was your age.

Do it.

How much are you spending on cigarettes a week?

Low mood (if it happens) is a small price to pay for a future free of health problems

I was very depressed and anxious. I coped with overthinking and excessive worrying by smoking so it seemed my brain wanted its shot of nicotine so badly that it started to produce many anxiety thoughts to persuade me to start smoking again.
I tried to stay as rational as possible and focus on positive things. I also took herbal supplements against the anxiety.

When I was your age I didn’t think it was that important to quit, however that all changed when I hit my mid thirties and my chest constantly rattled, I went into a chest infection requiring antibiotics every time I caught a cold and my gums started to recede!

Honestly, I wish I’d quit years ago because the damage from smoking goes on for years after stopping. Do it now while you’re young and reap all those benefits. You only have one pair of lungs - look after them!

Do it. My partner has taken up smoking after having our DS, and I hate it to the point that I hate him being around him, and regularly consider leaving if doesn't quit. It stinks, it's terrible for your health, and it's expensive.

I smoked from 14 to 35. I stopped when I wanted to get pregnant. I smoked because I had social anxiety and it gave me a chance to step away from most people and have a moment. Also did catering work and back in the day a fag break was the only kind. As the smoking ban took hold I actually quite enjoyed having just one or two people to chat to when I went for an outdoor ciggie. I started stopping by vaping then went cold turkey. Alan Carr (not chatty man) helped, not the first time round but the last time it had sunk in.

If you want to you can. If you have to you will. It's up to you, one day at a time.

Get help, it's hard but really worth it

I'll do it with you right now if you want?

Smoking gives you bladder cancer.... they don't seem to talk about it - but it does. Relative has just been diagnosed. Mid 40s

Just give up

Can't tell you how many limb amputations I've seen of current smokers who damage both their lungs and hearts. In fact the vascular surgeons would tell their smoking patients to preschedule their NEXT amputation as it was inevitable

DH gave up at 30, about 16 years ago a mr I’m so pleased he did. The physical addiction was gone within a week but the psychological addiction takes longer. I agree that you need to commit to never smoking again.

I wouldn’t worry about anxiety and depression as a consequence.

Smoked for 29 years. Didnt realize how bad the smell was until I quit and started vaping 7 months ago. I cant stand to be around smoke. Have you tried vaping? I havent picked up a cigarette since I started vaping. You will feel so much better too! Best wishes to you.

I nurse people with COPD. Honestly some of them are young, in their late 40s early 50s. I think for many people they think it won't happen to them until it does. Its a horrific disease.

I was a smoker too and know how hard it is, I guess its finding another outlet for the anxiety relief, oddly enough fags used to make me feel anxious.

Read Alan Carr. I was honestly on top of the world. He talks about a moment when suddenly the grass seems greener and I totally had that. It was euphoric. So it could actually have the opposite effect on your mood. Good luck. I am excited for you. You totally have this!!!

@crustycrab Yes please

And thank you everyone for the replies I'm going to quit now just go cold turkey the smell already makes me feel sick but already the craving has started, I only had one about 30 minutes ago. This will be so hard

You may want to try nicotine replacement therapy with the gum or the patches to take the edge off the cravings while you get out of the habits associated with actually smoking. That helped me a lot when I quit.

I have lots of habits, soon as I wake up I have a cup of tea and a ciggie, whilst waiting for the bus etc but even this drives me mad it could be pissing with rain and I'll be outside work and have a quick one and I know full well I must smell of it yet it doesn't stop me . I really want to do it this time I think what puts me of vaping and e cigs is that my Nan gave up B&H gold after 50 years and went on those e cig things and she's more reliant on that and now spends the same on what she did before she quit real fags.

You can do this!! It’s so worth it

However, please don’t pick up vaping as a replacement. There aren’t enough testing done on it. Some people are getting horrifically ill from it.

Just worked out I spend £252 a month on them that is disgusting

You could have a lovely holiday with that money saved!