How do you battle depression that starts when you quit smoking?

Question

I am on anti-depressants to help alleviate the depression, but it keeps getting worse. I finally succeeded in quitting smoking, but I feel worse now than I did for the eleven years that I smoked. I've been exercising and eating right to. I just don't know what else to do.

Answer 1

A cigarette usually helps.

Answer 2

Congratulations on quitting!!! The first thing I would suggest is to stop taking the anti-depressants. Depression is a natural emotion that you will experience once you quit because the cigarettes have been the one consistent thing that has been with you or has been there for you for 11 years. You have now severed ties with that and it will take some time to cope with that loss. You will need to find a coping mechanism for those times when you feel down and blue. You're actually on the right track with the exercise. It is one of the best stress and tension relievers. Also, if you have been eating healthier that has a bit to do with the depression because now your body is releasing unhealthy and bad toxins which tend to not only cleanse you from the inside it also has a tendency to stir up emotions. Don't worry the depression is a natural state. It will pass just be patient with yourself. You're experiencing a loss so go through the grieving process. Once you're done you will be amazed how great you'll feel!!! Best of luck.

Answer 3

That's wonderful that you quit smoking! And that you are exercising and eating right too. Quitting is not an easy thing to do but you've gotten through the worst part. I would tell your doctor you'd like a different anti-depressant. And it may sound weird, but try taking chromium picolinate, if you occasionally still want a cigarette. Only take as much as it says on the bottle though.

Answer 4

Congratulations with your smoking cessation! I've just quit them myself.
You need to excercise harder. For some reason you are not excercising hard enough to release your endorphins into the bloodstream. It's the endorphins that make you feel good.

Also get a plant light bulb and put that in your lamp. Make sure you get at least an hour of sitting under it. Keep it in your mind that these negative feelings are temporary.

Those things ought to help. Good Luck and keep up the fight!

Answer 5

I heard Wellbutrin will help for both issues..smoking and depression

Answer 6

If the antidepressants are not working then see your doc and have him try something else. He has no clue that they are not working well unless you call and tell him.

Answer 7

Try adding salmon. tuna or sardines/anchovies to your salads or sandwiches, or taking fish oil capsules each day -- it lifts your mood in no time at all!!!