For those who have stopped smoking recently

[CornField]

Background: I went to the doctor yesterday because I've been showing signs of severe depression for over a month now (no interest in activities I previously enjoyed - trouble sleeping or sleeping constantly - irritability - feeling down/blue/deflated - etc.) She gave me a test and decided that I'm indeed depressed -- she gave me a presciption and referred me to a psychologist.

During the course of talking with me, she asked if I had made any major lifestyle changes in the past 2-3 months. I told her about giving up caffeine (because of stomach problems) and that I had stopped smoking. She kind of smiled.

From what I gathered from her, smoking is often a self-medicating alternative for those who have other issues, including depression. Many people are able to utilize it to mask or push down the symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders and so forth.

Knowing that many of us have stopped smoking within the past couple of months, I thought this information might be helpful to others. If you have stopped smoking and are having the signs of depression, anxiety, etc. -- please go see your doctor.

[Bluebear]

1. I want to testify.

1 1/2 years for me and still nothing feels "right". Better but not "normal". How we could rely on something for our mood that kills us is a cruel trick!

[MuseRider]

2. Been there.

I hope your meds help. It is not fun and not easy. Do not go back to smoking, you will be glad some day that you have quit but first you have to simply feel better. This comes from someone who had to quit about 20 times before it really took.

[Trajan]

3. Smoking ...

Is 'crack cocaine' where the overt effects become masked by regular usage over time ....

Remember that FIRST hit ? ..

Remember the FIRST time you inhaled ? .. where you inhaled a GOOD STRONG hit ??? ..

Remember the head buzz ? .. the racing heart ? .. the flush face and dizziness ? ...

I sure do .... THAT was the 'real' effect of cigarette smoking .... WHY those overt effects submerge over time, I have no idea ... but certainly: we keep on smoking to get that high ...

Oh yes: .. cigarette smoking is a high, and is no different than any other substance abuse which is used to obscure our deeper angst and pain ....

Remove the medication: and the pain suddenly re-emerges ...

Like the dry drunk ....

[McKenzie]

4. that's very interesting

I had to visit a relative who was in psychiatric hospital for years. I noticed that a huge proportion of the patients smoked.

There is also evidence that smokers seem to be more prone to pessimism than those who don't smoke. It's not the nicotine (and gawd knows what other shit is in there) that causes them to be pessimistic; they are predisposed to that way of thinking.

Interesting post.