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Anxiety Antidote


jillar

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cpk

Quit Date: 02/04/2015

 

Posted May 17, 2015 · IP 

 

It has taken me awhile to figure out that the anxiety I have been experiencing since week 6 of my quit (now in week 15) is not directly related to quitting.

 

Not smoking is the peaceful part of my life.

 

The anxiety was there before I quit. I probably used smoking to try to keep the anxiety in check. I don't recall having "anxiety attacks" when I smoked.

 

I have opted to use natural supplements, which are helping. This weekend I picked up a workbook on using DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to quell anxiety through cognitive and emotional restructuring --- that is, simply put, training my mind to not be anxious. I need to reprogram the software in my brain.

 

I had gotten in the habit of being anxious. I now need to learn how to do life in a new way.

 

I know that people sometimes relapse because they find they are more anxious not smoking and feel they can't cope. They think it is because they miss smoking. This was me in the past, before I joined QT and got educated. I never even considered that my anxiety had nothing to do with quitting smoking.  I used smoking to try to calm myself, but that probably made everything worse! I certainly felt like a physical wreck, and it's pretty hard to cope when you have smoking related headaches, respiratory distress, fatigue and a host of other physical problems. Now I have none of these physical problems.

 

The good people on this site prodded me a bit to look closer, and to observe what was going on with my life. That is the beauty of QT...that quitters know the journey of self-discovery takes time and patience. (I especially remember Tracey suggesting this in a very gentle way.)

 

I was a little bummed out to realize this state of being anxious was something lurking beneath my smoking addiction. However, accepting that this is something I have to work on is far better than endlessly relapsing, which is very bad for self confidence.

 

Strength to strength. I think I read that somewhere on this site. That's how I see the non smoking journey. Moving forward, growing, and evolving. Saying n.o.p.e. is the first step.

 

Lurkers who may be reading this...there is great HOPE --- and the promise that you will never again have to experience a disappointing relapse.

 

I know I was like many...feeling scared to try to quit again, just thinking it would end in relapse.

 

There is a way...to never, never, never relapse again, and to forever embrace the freedom of not smoking. The way can be found right here, right now, on QT.

 

QT helped me to see I never again have to think about relapse because I have the skills now to be a nonsmoker for life. I have freedom from smoking forever

 

Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/5348-anxiety-antidote/

 

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Jillar, I have been spending a lot of my time looking back at my life. I suffered anxiety from a very young age.  My Dad died when I was 3 years old. I do not have any memories of him.  I do feel that something happened that scarred me for life.  There had to something that caused my panic attacks. Back then in the 1960s I don't think doctors had a clue.  

They did not know what was happening or how to help me.  So we went along, me doing the best I could with this terrible fear of everything. I still have this happen once in awhile. that feeling where you can't breathe, you get hot all over, you are dizzy, and need to throw up.  I went through therapy  before my son was born,  I did not want my child to go through this.  i did want them to see me struggle with normal life.  I was successful, he had a normal life, a normal Mom, Some of it was hard for me but I was able to hide it from him. I must admit that I am tired, i have no strength left to deal with my anxiety.  At this point I am okay with it.  I am happy, calm and peaceful.  It is such a great relief to let these things go and look to the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

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Here I go again, been really strugglng with the panic attacks.  I hope it is just the holiay season and that we are all subject to the Covid panic and the fact that for now we should not be out and about.  I have realized tonight that is not the only problem, the fact that I have quit smoking is not the problem.  The problem is me again.  I am tired of fighting it, that I have lost my husband,  My Mom got so sick I could not care for here and keep her safe. My son, his fiance and her son were living here for 3  1/2 years, but they have married have their own home. I had to place  my mother in care and then right after that our best family friend lost a leg below the knee.  I brought him home here to take care of him until he recovered.That was about 3 months until he could go home. My Mom and the friend have both passed now.  

 

I have no purpose anymore.  I have no one to take care of.  I am alone all the time.  I am scared all the time. I am just sick of trying to hold myself together.  I am going to see my GP and let her know how bad it is right now.. I think I need to go into therapy again or I am going to have a breakdown.  I have tried to handle this on my own and it is just not working.

K

Thanks for listening

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Oh, Kris. I feel for you. I suffer from anxiety and the seasonal anxiety is the worst. It’s good that you have decided to see your doctor. There are so many physiological reasons why you can be off center. They can run tests as well as referring you to your therapist. I know that you’ve probably heard this so many times, but volunteering at a seniors center would do wonders for you. You enjoy helping others! By all means, see your therapist though. You are a very strong woman for reaching out. That in itself is a large step on the journey to recovery and I’m sure you know that too. Stay close to the train over the holidays! I will make a mental  note to keep checking in. 🤗

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@Kris, I agree with @Gus in that volunteering at A senior center would really help you feel needed and give you the purpose you're looking for. 

Here in California we have a program called CASA where you can volunteer to be an advocate for children. Another service you may find rewarding if there's something like that in Texas.

I hope your Dr can help you get the meds or therapy needed to feel better 🤗

Edited by jillar
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@Kris I am so sorry you are struggling!! I know the holidays are hard for you!!

I think it would be good for you to volunteer for something to keep you busy and

I know that with covid it makes that hard to do. You are a strong and kind hearted

person and like to help people. Reach out when you need to talk, we are here for you!!

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Thank you to all of you. I must admit I might look funny volunteering at the senior center as I am one. I have been meaning to join just to spend time with others.  I know it would be a great social place to meet others and not feel so alone.  I do know I need therapy to get in a better state of mind.  It is not healthy to be alone and fearful all the time.

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