Need to get off smoking.

[PiperIsOrange]

I gave up June and was doing fantastic, around 3-4 weeks ago I had a major relapse and now back smoking.

Help.

Hi Piper, sorry to hear you've relapsed, but well done on those few months you managed - that should help give you confidence that you can do it again. What worked for you last time and what triggered the relapse?

Major stress, panic attacks returning worse then ever and anxiety that left my heart feeling that it would come out of my ribs.

Shit that sounds horrible. Are you getting any help for the anxiety?

I have a doctors appointment tomorrow.

I just feel so ashamed of myself. I'm just a pathetic person.

Gods no don't think like that! You clearly had some serious problems so turned to something you had found comforting in the past, that doesn't make you pathetic at all. And now you've turned to others for a bit of moral support & help - that's just plain common sense so the opposite of pathetic. Pathetic would have been saying "oh woe is me" and not even trying to do anything about it or ask for help.

Anxiety, stress and panic attacks are really horrible things which may make you feel much worse about things than you should, and make you feel helpless too (been there, done that, got the t-shirt). You get into a downward spiral which is so hard to break.

See your GP tomorrow and don't even think of underplaying just how dreadful you feel, pour it all out & get that help you need.

Then come back on here, take a deep breath, and start thinking about Plenty's other question of what worked for you last time then think how we can help and support you this time. And don't be afraid to ask for help!

You're not pathetic, you're really strong! Count up the number of fags you didn't smoke over those few months and feel proud of yourself!

I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks as well and there's no bloody way I could have coped with stopping smoking when I was in the midst of a bad patch.

Good luck tomorrow, as Allergic says, don't hold back, tell it how it is. I think the priority for moment should be getting your anxiety under control but you can begin planning now for when you feel stronger - which you WILL, very soon

Thank you so much, Dh is coming with me.

Hopefully I will get something to sort this mood I am in.

Good luck Piper, I'll be thinking of you today x

I have been put on antidepressants and going to wait until my mental heath improves.

Can't believe I broke down in front of the doctor.

That was possibly the best thing you could have done Piper, otherwise the GP may not have realised how bad a state you're really in.

You are probably right in waiting at least until the anti-depressants kick in fully before contemplating any other changes. And you know where to come once you DO feel strong enough to try .

Thank you, I am looking at the box and trying to convince myself to take the 1st tablet.

Well done. You've done the hardest bit

Allow yourself a good couple of weeks for the tablets to settle down before you contemplate any other changes.

Massive (((hug)))