Is it Holiday depression or quiting smoking that is making me so down?

Question

I am trying to figure out if this is why I am feeling soooo blue! I also just quit smoking (this is the 3rd time) I have never been depressed becuase of quiting before. But this could be it.
Or maybe it is with the leaving of the holidays. That always seems to bring me down. Ya know, you prepare for months, spend lots of time with family and friends, and poof it is over.
Please help. I am driving my husband crazy with all of my sadness. (No, nothing has happened at all)

Thank you all so much!!! You are all so caring!

Answer 1

The Nicoderm patch helped me to quit smoking. Follow the directions exactly though, or you will find yourself starting again. I can tell you from experience that the more times you quit and start back, (or maybe it’s an age thing), it gets harder to quit every time. I don’t think that you quitting has to do with your sadness, however, it does have everything to do with you biting heads off.

I believe your sadness is due to the holidays, family leaving, and lack of sunshine; but try not to concentrate on WHY as much as what you can do about it.

If you are into vitamins, try St John’s Wort for positive mood. 5-HTP may also help with your smoking as well as your moods for it helps control appetite (as you want to eat more when you quit smoking). It is also a mood enhancer and promotes balanced serotonin levels. Serotonin balances the emotional states.

http://www.natrol.com/sleep-stress-mood/884-5-htp/

Hope this helps

Answer 2

It could be a combination of both. The smoking thing can definitely do it tho. I once had a friend who quit and couldn't stop crying for days. The holidays are sad for a lot of people, myself included. But they're over now. You will be fine, try letting the morning sun hit your face for about 5 min. a day if possible. Just heard about this and tried for the first time this morning. It may take a while. Also, excercise is very good with helping with your blues. Good for you for quitting smoking, I need to do the same. good luck!!

Answer 3

Sweetie? A lot of people suffer with seasonal depression. Meaning, maybe you miss the warm weather and the sun out until around 8:00 p.m. I get the same way. Gloomy weather tends to make me gloomy too. And added to the sadness of your departing family members can make anyone depressed. Just tell Hubby to be patient. It will pass. Good luck and take care of yourself. ((((Sheri))))