Hi all, I feel ridiculous putting this out there, but I’m really struggling. So I gave up smoking about 4 months ago now (hubby followed my lead about 2 weeks later) it wasn’t necessarily by choice. We both got Covid and we’re really sick so couldn’t smoke whilst sick. I went 8 days without and thought I’d be stupid to start when I just did 8 days essentially cold turkey.
Well fast forward to now and I feel like ever since I’ve quit I am struggling with absolutely everything. It’s like the wheels have fallen off and I don’t know how to get them back on. My house is a mess, my job is a mess and I feel like I’m not providing my family with what they need. I didn’t realise how much smoking was my go to stress relief. My husband is also struggling, but I feel like it could be because of me.
My teenage daughter has recently been diagnosed with adhd. The whole process prior to quitting was manageable but now I feel like I’m struggling with that also.
Please tell me it gets easier!!!!!
Thanks from one stressed out Mumma
6 Replies
It will pass I promise. You are still in the process of breaking a habit, the habit not the addiction is what’s the hardest part to pass. Don’t give up mumma, the hardest part is behind you. Whilst you may feel like you aren’t providing to your family, you’ve given them the gift of having you around for longer. Although we see smoking as a stress relief, it’s so temporary for the 5 minutes we are having it as our focus is on the cigarette and nothing else:
It gets easier!! Hubby quit 6 years ago cold turkey and it was hard to begin with. He used patches from the chemist and within 4 weeks he didn't want them anymore. 6 years later and I can't believe he even ever smoked. He used to smoke 40+ a day and now he finds the smell of smoke disgusting. Hang in there - get to drs if you need extra help. He tried Champix but too many side effects for him.
I’m 12 months smoke free and it gets easier, trust me.
Please persevere 😃
Part of the problem is that you skipped a step in your quitting process. You didn't wake up one day having made that concious choice to quit, you weren't mentally ready to quit - covid forced it. So getting yourself into that "I am ready to do this" mindset will help.
I won't lie though, it does get more manageable but it's not an easy road. I quit 11 years ago and I still get the very occasional but strong craving (usually during periods of high stress) so this is probably something that will test your will power for at least the foreseeable future, maybe even life long. Finding some healthy coping strategies is a must because it's really easy to replace smoking with other unhealthy habits, I ended up putting on a ton of weight when I quit because I rewarded myself/de-stressed with food and sugary drinks. I'd actually consider going to your GP for some advice as well.
I am two yrs cig - free after 15 yrs of smoking. Went cold turks and never struggled as I was mentally ready. Your head has to be mentally prepared. It rarely works unless your mind tells you it will
My husband and I both quit 6 months ago with hypnosis, me because I was having surgery & hubby because he wanted to by 40 . I struggled the first couple of months but I had a fidget ring that I constantly played with . It’s also the deep breathing that relaxes you. You can still do that . It will get easier !