Posted by Mtom on January 1, 2017, at 10:42:12
I quit as a "regular" smoker 20 years ago. Took many attempts because of intense mood swings & depression lasting months every try. Finally did it during a very low stress period, life was good & used nicotine patch. After stopping the patch, depression came on, but there were also other factors at same time e.g. early menopause associated with a previously undiagnosed autoimmune disorder, that probably factored in.
Over the years, I gradually became a "social" smoker, then an "occasional" smoker, and last year, dealing with a gravely ill family member & other situational stresses, and intensifying depression as a results, I started smoking more - often more days than not.
In past, as a "social" smoker, I suspected that a few days after, my then mild depression would intensify for a couple of days. Over the last year, experiencing more significant depression AND smoking more, it seems that a few days after smoking the depression intensifies really significantly. Have been cutting back drastically in recent months, but it's become a bit of a vicious circle, I don't smoke for days, my depression gets worse, so does my craving for a smoke, I give in and feel better while smoking, then guilt sets in so I quit again. But my moods are swinging anyway even if I go several weeks without smoking, so I'm not sure whether nicotine withdrawal is a major factor.
Has anyone experience significantly intensified depression when withdrawing from nicotine? How quickly does it start, and how long does it last? From past experiences quitting smoking it's possible I am having a prolonged withdrawal effect that goes on even when I stop smoking for weeks. I was once a heavy smoker for many years when younger, and discussing withdrawal back then with others who had quit, it seems mine can be more intense than most and last longer.
poster:Mtom
thread:1093774
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20161215/msgs/1093774.html