Quitting without destroying my marriage? - Smoking Cessation Message Board

Key2Life · 04-24-2007, 09:59 AM

Hi all…newbie here. I am really glad I found this board because it seems no one else can relate to me right now…

My last cig was 9 days ago…I started with Commit lozenges for the first 2 days, but I didn’t care for them so I quit those too.

Since I quit, my emotions have been OUT OF CONTROL. I mean, I am a walking mess.

I’m normally a really laid back person, but I’ve been angry and short-tempered…which okay, I pretty much expected that.

What I didn’t expect was how depressed I am…I feel hopeless and sad all the time. I cry for no reason. Turns out that if you are prone to depression, you have a really good chance of triggering it when you quit.

I’ve been on Lexapro for a while (prior to my quit) and I’ve been working out 1 hour each day, trying to combat these vile symptoms, but neither is making a dent. I’m getting really frustrated and so is my husband. He told me the other day he couldn’t stand to be around me right now and left me with the kids to go out with friends. This is the man who begged me to quit for the past 5 years, and now that I have he can’t ride the storm out.

I am now terrified that he’ll leave me, as he has been very distant and cold towards me lately. I’m not normally this needy, either, so I’m not sure if this is a symptom of the withdrawal or the depression. Anyway, this is just a vicious cycle…I may not be smoking cigarettes, but I’m going to end up divorced and friendless. And that terrifies me.

I keep telling everyone, “This isn’t me right now, please just ignore how I’m acting”, but I guess that’s pretty much impossible for people to do.

I just want to be me again…I hate feeling like this. Anyone else go through something like this? How long does it last?

Jwande · 04-24-2007, 10:48 AM

I am not certain about combatting depression, but Chantix is a new drug out that lessens the withdrawl symptons from nicotine. Talk with your doctor.
Good luck and keep posting. This forum is a good source for everyone.

janpo1 · 04-24-2007, 11:31 AM

I am so sorry your going through this.

Jwande is right. Even though you've already quit you could call your Dr and ask for chantix. It helps with the cravings so you won't feel the way your feeling right now. I have read of other people doing that.

I know what your saying when you say you don't feel like yourself. I felt that way yesterday. Today i feel better and i know tomorrow i'll feel even better than today.

Key2Life · 04-24-2007, 12:21 PM

A lot of people I work with are on Chantix and have had great success with it, but I wasn't sure if mixing that with an antidepressant was okay or not. You're right, though, I should just call my dr. and ask about it.

And as bummed as I was last night and this morning, I feel a little better this afternoon. It comes in waves...

I also gave my husband some info to read from the net about smoking and depression so he could see I'm not "crazy"...it's a physiological response to the lack of nicotine in my body. It seemed to help heal our rift after he read more about it.

Thanks for everyone's kind words and advice.

Jwande · 04-24-2007, 12:32 PM

Stay with us and keep us updated. 9 days CT - You have my respect!