Depression After Quitting Smoking: Effects & How to Deal

Successful in Quitting smoking? 

We are proud of you! It is nothing less of a monumental achievement on your part and a huge step towards regaining your former healthy life.

Even though the war is won, there are some small battles that you need to cross – Smoking Depression is one such battle.

So, if you are someone who quit smoking and wondering why you feel depressed all of a sudden – there is a reason behind it. In this article, we will decode the reason behind your gloomy mood and its connection to your previous cigarette addiction. We will also understand how to overcome it without relapsing back to smoking.

So, let’s get started!

Your Brain’s Best Friend

Just like cigarettes have become an everyday part of life, they have become the best buds of your Brain as well!

Yes, when you use cigarettes regularly, the nicotine binds with the receptors in the Brain and induces the release of Dopamine – “the happy hormone”. Thus, when there is an absence of nicotine, there is a deficiency in Dopamine, leading to temporary depression.

The keyword here is temporary (for most)!

If you are not feeling better even after a few weeks, this may be due to clinical depression, and it is best to consult with a doctor or healthcare professionals and get treatment.

Does quitting smoking cause depression?

Cigarettes act as a coping mechanism for many. Whether it may be celebrating a new job or relieving stress after a bad day, a smoke seems like the need of the hour.

Therefore, it is common for smokers to crave a cigarette when they are experiencing strong emotions since they do not have any other coping mechanism. Embracing emotions is part of being human, so explore new constructive ways of dealing with them.

As for mood swings and depressive episodes, we have some activities you can do to improve your state of mind. 

1. Do some physical activity

Remember Dopamine, the happy hormone! It has an equally cheerfully distant cousin called Endorphins. Studies have also proven that these hormones improve your mood.

So, what should you do to release endorphins? You should exercise!

Go for a quick walk, play with your loved ones, and smell the fresh air. This will give you a refreshing experience that makes you feel better about yourself. Furthermore, studies have shown that exercise is good during the early stages of smoking cessation as it works against depression.

2. Self-motivation

Whenever you crave smoking, remember that it is not you who wants it. It is the addiction that is forcing you to return to your smoking self. 

Addiction is your enemy, and once you are completely healed, you will not wish for it anymore. With this thought process in mind, keep yourself motivated not to relapse.

3. Distract yourself

Find a hobby or an activity that is deeply gratifying to you and cheers you up. This hobby should be something that you can do within a moment’s notice. This can be anything from calling a friend to eating your favorite food.

Once the cravings kick in, get started on the activity, which can distract you and give you instant gratification that improves your mood.

4. Join support groups

Having a support system that will keep you accountable during your cessation journey is a huge blessing. 

This group can include family members, friends, and anyone who makes you feel good. 

You can also join support groups where the members are going through the same struggle. This gives you a sense of belonging and helps you get the much-needed support you require.

5. Shift in perspective

The real healing begins when you understand that you are not depriving yourself of smoking. Rather, you are giving your future self a way to achieve a healthier, happier and smoke-free future.

6. Get all the help you need

Successfully quitting smoking is a huge task, and it is okay if you need help along the way. Many NGOs, Government organizations, and healthcare professionals can support and guide you throughout this journey.

Therefore, it is advised to pre-inform a medical care professional regarding quitting smoking and get proper guidance throughout your cessation period. As a result, you will have better chances of going clean while avoiding relapsing.

What is on the other side?

Now that you know how to overcome your smoking habit, here are some rewards you get for achieving this. 

1. New experiences:

Smokers find it hard to exercise or indulge in any physical activity since it causes them to be breathless and tired very soon. Thus, people who smoke tend to stay away from physically strenuous activities.

Now that you are on the other side and have relieved yourself from the smoking habit, you can do and also enjoy your favorite activity. 

You could take that small hike you have wanted to do for so long. You will be pleasantly surprised at how refreshing and glad you will feel at the end.

2. Improvement in your senses:

Cigarettes tend to numb your taste buds, thus inhibiting you from enjoying the full flavors of your food. Once you quit cigarettes, you will be able to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors.

Your smell will also change, as the lingering scent of smoke will no longer be present, making you a pleasant person to be around.

3. Be there for your friends and family:

Did you know that when you smoke, you are exposing your loved ones to second-hand smoke, thus increasing their chances of getting cancer?

Protect yourself and your loved ones from chronic diseases and illnesses by avoiding smoking and opting for a healthier life.

FAQs:

1. Is it normal for me to feel down after quitting smoking?

Depression after quitting smoking is common among smokers because of changes in their brain chemistry. This is a sign that your body is adjusting to the absence of nicotine.

2. How long will these feelings last?

The duration varies from person to person, but it most often subsides within a few weeks. So, focus on coping mechanisms and try to divert your mind as much as possible.

3. When should I be worried about depression?

If depressive episodes are inhibiting your daily activities and making you feel worse, then it is time to contact a medical professional. They would be able to suggest appropriate treatment mechanisms that will help you recover from clinical depression.

Last words:

Whenever you think about relapsing, remember that you made this decision to live a healthier and better lifestyle for yourself and your loved ones. Let’s take a step towards a more fulfilling and mindful life by removing cigarettes from our livelihoods.