Smokers quitting nightmare is like a small prison for addicts

Smokers quitting nightmare: Is there anything I do about depression?

Quitting smoking is actually the best thing to do for your health. However, if you didn’t know, smokers quitting nightmare is how to go about it. In one of the forums doctor, Dalal Akoury MD was addressing patients, when one patient, asked “what can I do about depression?” this is a good question. Ideally, it’s normal to feel sad for a period of time after you first quit smoking. Remember that you are losing something that you originally loved so much. She adds that progressively this mild depression will occur and normally it will start within the first day of quitting and may progress for a couple of weeks, and disappear within a month. However, if you have a history of depression which is associated with a more severe withdrawal symptoms including more severe depression then such depressions need to be treated in isolation as it may be an indicator of a more serious problem. Many people have a strong urge to smoke when they feel depressed. The following tips may be helpful for you in depression management:

• Breathe deeply.
• Call a friend and plan to have lunch or go to a movie, concert, or other pleasurable events.
• Identify your specific feelings at the time that you seem depressed. Are you actually feeling tired, lonely, bored, or hungry? Focus on and address these specific needs.
• If depression continues for more than 1 month, see your doctor. Ask your doctor about prescription medications that may help you with depression. Studies show that bupropion and nortriptyline can help people with a past history of depression who tries to quit smoking.
• Increase physical activities. This will help to improve your mood and lift your depression.
• Make a list of things that are upsetting to you and write down solutions for them one by one.

Smokers quitting nightmare: What can I do about weight gain?

Gaining weight is common after quitting. Studies have shown that, on average, people who have never smoked weigh a few pounds more than smokers, and, when smokers quit, they attain the weight they would have had if they had never smoked. Although most smokers gain fewer than 10 pounds after they quit smoking, the weight gain can be troublesome for some people. However, the health benefits of quitting far outweigh the health risks of a small amount of extra weight. Here are some tips for managing weight gain:

• Ask your doctor about the medication bupropion. Studies show that it helps counter weight gain.
• Studies also show that nicotine replacement products, especially nicotine gum and lozenges, can help counter weight gain. Because some people who quit smoking increase their food intake, regular physical activity and healthy food choices can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Finally, if weight gain is a problem, you may want to consult a nutritionist or diet counselor. And by the way, this is one of the areas of strength of doctor Dalal Akoury and consulting with her will give you a clear head start on your way to recovery right way.

Smokers quitting nightmare: Is there anything I do about depression?