Dealing with feelings of withdrawal and depression is not easy in any situation whatsoever, and dealing with stop smoking withdrawal or depression is no different.

Stop smoking withdrawal is exactly like any other kind of withdrawal or depression. The only difference for those in the quitting process is that they no longer have a cigarette by their side to comfort them.

Withdrawal is a symptom of depression, but while depression is often categorized as a disease or dysfunction, withdrawal is a good example of what is known in psychiatry as an adaptive defense mechanism. Put simply, withdrawal and depression are both seen as ways to cope with reality.

Stop smoking withdrawal or depression should be easy to spot, having the same symptoms as regular depression:

• Feelings of helplessness/ hopelessness. Feeling that nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you could possibly do to improve your situation.
• A lack of interest in daily activities. Hobbies, pastimes and other daily activities you used to take an interest in are no longer enjoyable or interesting.
• Weight loss/gain. A significant change in body weight, either up or down.
• Sleep changes. Waking up at early morning hours, insomnia, oversleeping (a.k.a hypersomnia).
• Mood swings. Either feeling “hyperactive”, restless and over active, or sluggish, weak, and slowed down.
• General feelings of weakness. Constant feelings of physical exhaustion, or feelings of being “drained out”. The smallest of physical tasks are difficult and take longer to complete.
• Self loathing/over criticism. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and exaggerated self criticism.
• Problems concentrating. Memory trouble, trouble focusing and problems with making decisions.

Again, stop smoking withdrawal is also a depression symptom.

It’s important that if even a few of these symptoms appear, professional help should be sought immediately. Stop smoking withdrawal or depression may seem unlikely to cause any serious harm, but keep in mind that withdrawal and depression are slippery slopes, and can easily become very serious problems.

Stop smoking withdrawal is the way our mind chooses to deal with a new reality, one that differs from the cigarette smoking reality our mind had gotten used to. The dread of the anxiety this new situation brings is what drives our mind to seek refuge by means of withdrawing to within itself, leading to depression. The stop smoking withdrawal state can be a short term issue, but can also evolve an become much more serious. Try to bring things back to normal, by participating in social activities, exercising and leading a healthy lifestyle. If things don’t improve, see a professional for guidance.

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