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10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 23

What keeps me motivated is knowing I'm not ingesting those 400 toxic chemicals. When you really think about it you realise just how disgusting and abnormal the whole thing is! Sure was a addiction fight with me - but I won, and everybody can too !

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 880

lemontwist:

Thank you for such an honest and clear description of your situation. I know it sounds strange, but I think if we are able to describe our pain in such a concise and clear manner, then we are getting stronger in our resolve to end the addiction. Understanding the powerful nature of the addiction, feeling its intensity and still putting one foot in front of the other is the mark of someone who has the right stuff to break free.

You do have things to look forward to. In time you will no longer be defined by smoking. You will have the freedom to create a definition of self that is of your choosing. And that definition is being created right now within the seemingly endless discomfort of withdrawal. Run towards that pain and embrace it and in doing so you will be saying no to the addiction and yes to the wonderful being that you know yourself to be...

stay well

nonic

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11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 96

Thanks everyone for the kind words and support. I'm doing OK. Haven't smoked, and for that I'm grateful. Taking things day by day.

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2534

Hi LT, it's been 5 days and I have been wondering how you are doing.

Thinking of you at this difficult time and hoping that you are finding the strength and determination to see it through.

No need to respond, just want you to know that you are not alone.

Best Wishes,

Penitent

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11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1140

Original Post by: breather
Hello LT. Whenever I see someone having a hard go of it I immediately check and see how long that they've been off the butts. I've found personally that certain times are harder emotionally and otherwise than others specifically six weeks , three months , etc. We were used to self medicating ourselves with a cigarette however many times a day with maybe 10 or 20 hits of the drug nicotine. We weren't used to feeling our feelings because they could always be stuffed by simply taking a drag. So what's wrong with crying and experiencing emotions ? Crying cleanses your eyes which is good for them. If I said that I was any different from you at three months I'd be a liar. I would suggest not to glorify smoking in your own mind as there is nothing glorious about it. Rewards are so important however small they may be. Today I'll experience my emotions and I'll not be afraid to cry. Excellent for us for not smoking today and experiencing our emotions. breather Don

breather,

That was beautiful. I'm still discovering the wonder of experiencing emotion, rather than masking or avoiding it.

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11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 534

Hey, Just droppe din to let you know that it is not impossible. When I came here I was scared and lost, picked up a couple of new friends and we started texting each other and those hours became days and now years and I havven't had a cig crave in years now. I can smell it on others and it is nasty and the thought of being there again is something that I never entertain. You keep going, in 6 months you will have such pride in yourself, you get to be a whole new person. Keep picturing that in your head. Build the dream in your mind.

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11226

Hi Lemontwist,

I am sorry to hear you are feeling this way. Chosing to avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms can be so hard when you are feeling this way. It is so smart of you to honestly address this. If I haven't already mentioned it you might want to check out our sister site depressioncenter.net. This program is based on CBT which is a proven treatment for depression and anxiety. If you decide to work on the program please let your therapist know.

The thing with depression is activities that once brought us joy now don't seem to. So what often happens is depressed individuals don't even try these positive acitivites and this is counter productive. The key is to keep trying and to look for small improvements in mood. Little by little these pleasant activities will become more pleasurable. The program I already mentioned could help you to track your feelings and notice these small improvements.

I hope you start to feel better soon Lemontwist. In the mean time we are here to listen.

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2508

Hello Lemontwist..So sorry your have a hard time of it lately.

Jims idea about the visiting sister sites is a great idea. I started in the sister sites before I came to this one and I still use this sites. The depression center has a great program and so does the panic center. They put things into perspective in a much different way than this site does. They treat the whole person not just the addiction.

When I first came to the smoking center site here I was have problems with depression and anxiety and I still do at times..I still use and visit these other sites when needed and each time I learn something new and useful that I wasn't quite ready to grasp before. I find this learning is a ongoing process and there is no harm in reaching out and using the information they offer there..In fact I am using these other sites to help me again right now. You might want to them them a look see when you get a chance. The information there may just help you work through the feeling that you are having now.

Good luck!

Red...

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 816

Hello LT. Whenever I see someone having a hard go of it I immediately check and see how long that they've been off the butts. I've found personally that certain times are harder emotionally and otherwise than others specifically six weeks , three months , etc. We were used to self medicating ourselves with a cigarette however many times a day with maybe 10 or 20 hits of the drug nicotine. We weren't used to feeling our feelings because they could always be stuffed by simply taking a drag. So what's wrong with crying and experiencing emotions ? Crying cleanses your eyes which is good for them. If I said that I was any different from you at three months I'd be a liar. I would suggest not to glorify smoking in your own mind as there is nothing glorious about it. Rewards are so important however small they may be. Today I'll experience my emotions and I'll not be afraid to cry. Excellent for us for not smoking today and experiencing our emotions. breather Don

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2778

Hey Lemontwist!!!

I started a post and then hit the wrong button and deleted it! Dang it! Anyways, I've mentioned this before to someone... smoking can mask certain mental disorders and quitting definitely changes up brain chemistry. Several of my quit buddies here experienced anxiety and depression after quitting. For some, it went away the further they got into their quit, others sought therapy and or a qualified professional to prescribe medication to help balance brain chemicals. You might want to consult your therapist to see if a referral to a professional might be in order.

Also, the SSC has a sister site called the depression center and there is a link in the help tab to the site. Check it out if your haven't already. Like this site, there is a support forum and health education staff there to offer advice.

Finally, you just might need a good hobby or a new puppy!

I'd recommend a puppy, but if that's not an option, maybe look into different arts like painting, crochet, knitting, or my favorite.... glassblowing!

A hobby you are really interested in will give you something to look forward to ever day!

Anyways, have a great smoke-free weekend, Buddy! If you are interested in melting some glass, let me know and I'll tell you how to get started!

Jim

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