Coping Up With Depression Due To Smoking Cessation
Depression is highly plausible when a person is trying to stop the habit of smoking. And while some people might find it easy to quit smoking, the journey to be smoke-free can be further challenging if depression is added into the equation.
So take some time to read this entry as we are going share some tips in coping up with depression due to smoking cessation.
Why Some Individuals Get Depressed As They Try To Quit Smoking?
Nicotine withdrawal is often considered as the primary reason why some quitters experience temporary depression as they stop smoking. When nicotine is regularly induced into your system, the body and the brain will be dependent on this chemical to release dopamine, a hormone that is responsible for making us “feel good” or happy. And that’s the reason why quitters tend to experience some episodes of low moods and depressed feelings at some point because the release of dopamine is lessened as they stop smoking.
Likewise, the absence of nicotine in the body can also affect the way a person manages negative feelings like stress, anger, and fatigue. And as a result, they tend to develop feelings of sadness and emptiness as they undergo the process of smoking cessation because they have eliminated a habit that was supposed to help them manage stressful and negative emotions.
Even so, ex-smokers don’t have to worry about this as depression due to smoking cessation is not permanent. You just have to know the tricks to cope up with this phase so you’ll be able to go through the quit smoking in a productive way.
Some Practical Ways Of Dealing With Depression Associated With Quitting Smoking
- Get Physical – Try to engage in physical activities like walking and some light exercises so your brain can release endorphins to improve your mood.
- Set Realistic Goals – Always remember that smoking cessation is a tough process. So try to go through it in a systematic way by setting up realistic goals that can help you to feel good once you’ve accomplished them.
- Spend time with family and friends who make you happy.
- Counter Negative Thoughts With Positive Outlook – When negative thoughts about smoking will arise, just remind yourself that these thoughts are only the result of your addiction towards smoking, and that you won’t be feeling this way once you are healed.
- Connect With Those Who Undergo The Same Struggle – Finally, sign up with a support group and find solace on those people who endure the same challenge of facing depression due to smoking cessation. Having their company will give an assurance that you are not alone in this struggle and therefore, you’ll be able to muster the strength that you need to overcome depressed feelings while staying smoke-free until you are fully sober.
Try Dr. Jud’s Craving to Quit app if you’re looking for an effective smoking cessation tool that can help you quit safely. You can get free access to the app for three days just by signing up. Try it today!
