Why Some People Experience Severe Anxiety After Quitting Smoking

Why Some People Experience Severe Anxiety After Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the hardest things to do because of the toll it can take on the mind as well as the body. Being addicted to cigarettes has been likened to heroin or cocaine addiction. It is very difficult to quit and there are withdrawal symptoms that come along with quitting. Some people are able to get through the withdrawal symptoms with ease. Others have a more difficult time.

Some people have more difficulty quitting smoking than others and this can lead to some people experiencing severe anxiety. There is a fear that they are doing something wrong, will have a relapse, or fail outright.

This article will discuss some coping tips for to reduce stress when you are quitting, depression, and reducing anxiety, and how Clinical Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy can help.

Coping Tips to Reduce Stress When You Are Quitting

  • Do things you like doing
    • Keeping a positive mindset will go a long way to reach your goal of quitting smoking. One way to do that is to keep doing the things you enjoy. Whether it’s exercising, watching tv, or reading, doing the things you like to do will keep your stress and anxiety levels down, and your mind off smoking.
  • Give yourself a break
    • Optimism is key to quitting smoking. Don’t get down on yourself because quitting smoking is very hard to do. If you are convinced that you can navigate this difficult path then your journey will have a much greater chance of success.
  • Exercise
    • Exercise is not only good for the body, it is good for the mind. Doing some exercises will greatly reduce the stresses that come along with quitting smoking. This does not mean you have to go to the gym everyday. An exercise as simple as walking will go along way to reduce stress.
  • Resolve problems quickly
    • In order to minimize your stress levels right when you quit smoking and the tough months that follow, make sure you put your affairs in order. Solving your short term problems before you start to quit smoking will save you a lot of headaches that would previously be on top of the pressures of quitting smoking.
  • Know the signs of stress
    • Recognizing situations you know will stress you out, and then avoiding them, will go a long way to reducing stress and anxiety when you are quitting smoking. Signs of stress include headaches, sleeplessness, and feeling angry. When you feel these symptoms coming on, try to relax right away.
  • Practise yoga
    • Yoga is really good reducing stress because it relaxes the muscles and teaches you to control your breathing. Controlling your breathing when you get in stressful situations will help you calm yourself, and not make you want to reach for a cigarette.
  • Have a friend
    • Having someone around will allow you to vent out some of the things that are stressing you out and causing anxiety. Quitting smoking means that you may get agitated, angry and frustrated more easily. By having a friend to talk to you will be able to get rid of some stress. This will be helpful in your quitting process.
  • Have patience
    • Quitting smoking is a difficult task and there may be times you feel like you want to give up. It might even take you a few tries to do it. The main thing is to stay positive and stay with it. There will be good days and bad days, but patience with the process will alleviate some of that stress and anxiety that comes with quitting smoking.

Crush Your Cigarette Habit with Clinical Hypnotherapy

Depression

Depression usually occurs right after someone quits smoking. The severity of the sadness can vary for each individual but overall, it tends to be minor and not last very long. If your depression does not go away after a month, you may have a more severe case of depression and you should consult a doctor.

Mild depression can be alleviated by doing simple things such as:

  • Exercising
  • Doing something fun with a friend
  • Breathing deeply
  • Making a list of annoyances and try to fix them

Reduce Your Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are the most common side effects experienced when quitting smoking. These effects are natural and can range from mild to severe. If they last too long though, make sure you consult a doctor.

By using some of the techniques mentioned in this article you can manage the stress and anxiety. While a good support system is great and will definitely help you quit smoking, it will be up to you to reach your goal.

Clinical Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

Quitting smoking is a difficult task, some have a harder time than others. If you are not one of the lucky ones that have an easy time quitting, you might experience severe anxiety after your last cigarette.

For some people it is as simple as knowing that would be their last cigarette. They will get depressed that they don’t get to do the thing they love anymore and then possible relapse. We are all human and depression and anxiety after quitting smoking is normal.

If you are experiencing severe depression or anxiety, Joseph R. Giove can help. Using the power of the mind and Clinical Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy, he can help you manage these symptoms. Joseph R. Giove is a licensed Clinical Hypnotist and has over 30 years of experience helping people quit smoking and manage their withdrawal symptoms, particularly anxiety and depression.

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