I read that something like 70 percent of people with Bipolar Disorder and 90 percent of people with Schizophrenia smoke, whereas smokers in the general population are closer to 20 percent. Smoking is ridiculously expensive and it's slowly killing you. Cigarettes kill more people than all other drugs combined.
Everyone has their own reasons for smoking. I always said, "I enjoy it too much to quit." I didn't only enjoy it, I loved it. I had to go back to Behavior Therapy 101, "What's Rewarding the Behavior?" I realized that my primary motivation for smoking was to feel relaxed. I enjoyed sitting down, taking a break, and deep breathing.
When I did decide to quit, I felt physically ill. I was nauseous, got terrible headaches, was irritable, and my anxiety skyrocketed. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I was terribly addicted to cigarettes. The physical symptoms only lasted a few days; the psychological urges lasted much longer.
Something that really helped me at first was to take fake cigarette breaks. I'd go hide out and "pretend smoke" for five minutes. My pretend smoke break involved me taking a break, sitting down, and deep breathing for five minutes.
To stay quit long term, I started spending my smoking money on travel because that's something I really love. My husband and I were spending about $300 per month on cigarettes, and we both quit at the same time. I was having a much harder time staying quit than he did, so he finally suggested that we take the money we would spend on cigarettes every money and spend it on travel. It was money up in smoke anyways. Weekend at the beach or cigarette? I learned to love our romantic getaways and it still keeps me motivated. It's a tradition that we have kept.
On my journey, I found a website that not only convinced me to quit, but also had every possible solution to quitting - http://whyquit.com . Trust me, it's an awesome website if you think you might want to quit. No advice I can give you will compare to the advice and support you will find on that website.
Has anyone else with bipolar quit smoking? What helped you?
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You have an inspiring and romantic story at the same time. I love how your husband has helped himself and you from cutting the bad habit. Withdrawals from cigarette smoking can be really painful, but if you are disciplined, motivated and loved, you can do it.
I went from Marlboro lights to ”vaping”. It's nicotine and water vapor. So at least I'm not getting the tar and junk in my lungs anymore and I'm pretty happy about that :)
I use the eGo-C Twist for reference, it's awesome. They even have them with no nicotine if you don't want that but just like the experience of smoking. It's an alternative anyways.
Thanks for the tip on the eGo-C twist - I love the idea of nicotine free vapor. Do you have any more info about that or a link?I'm sure that would have helped me quit. When I first tried to quit smoking, I tried the gum and patches- I was still getting the nicotine but I wanted to smoke so bad. That's when I realized it was the deep breathing part I missed.
I don't smoke, but lots of my mentally ill friends do. It's really hard for them, because they really can't afford it. Financially it causes all sorts of troubles. You mentioned that it makes you relax. How many bipolars and schizophrenics have anxiety or trouble relaxing? Lots I imagine. I did read an article and I can't remember the specifics of the citation, but it did say that people mentally ill smokers are more likely to quit then regular smokers. That's helpful at least.
A friend led me to read this ~ Yes he is half my age and we have traversed this life very differently, as I am female who has suffered much grief and loss wth children and most family in heaven ~ having said that I stubbed my ciggie, wld just like to say a huge ty to this Aust. fb friend that led me here, we will meet one day. Blessings, may music & positivity alys b wth u xxx
You want to stop. You don't like to stink. You don't want to reduce your lung capacity. You don't want to spend the money. And most of all, you don't want lung cancer. As far as vaping goes, nicotine is a natural pesticide. It's purpose is to keep parasites off the nicotine plant. You don't want that in your body. Good luck. Namaste.
Interesting! I quit smoking a few times but always end up back at! I hate it but, what is rewarding this behavior is a fantastic question. Unfortunately, a previous attempt to quit had me in such an anxious state that I'm afraid to try again. I'm stable now but what if I try to quit smoking again? Anxiety brings depression and that's a monster I dare not tempt. Perhaps if smoking really does calm me I can learn more relaxation techniques and then try to quit. Baby steps.
Thanks For Sharing All Useful Information....
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Hey, i just wanted u to know that I just found your site, and it all makes sense. I was diagnosed off the record due to the need to remain free of the stigma associated with bipolar disorder. not having access to medication forced me to confront the problem in a purely logical and cognitive manner. so far so good :-) ill be reading from now on.
I am Bipolar and I have tried to quit many times. Trouble is, when I try I get manic, aggressive, suicidal. I'd rather smoke and manage my stress than be manic.
I have tried everything bar hypnotherapy and am too scared to do that because of my illness.
Wellbutrin has cut my cig use in half. I rarely have a full one. Morning coffee is the worst, that's my biggest smoking time. If people can get through the Wellbutrin side effects it's a breeze! You feel so much better. Still have the nagging headache after only 2 weeks at twice a day 150sr. It says headaches would leave too, there only present after my second dose. So I pray they go away, Wellbutrin is great. I take lamictal with my Wellbutrin so it takes the edge off. I'm stuck in the house with bipolar and sad. Just waiting for some warm sunshine. I hate bipolar and depression!!! I want to run away but my therapist said I can't run from myself?? Suppose that's right. Thinking if I'm here there anywhere but here I'm happy? I hate bipolar there's no cure?
Focusing on something you love is one of the greatest ways to quit smoking. Smoking for me before has been my best buddy that accompanies me through a stressful or a laid back day. Now, I am clean for a year and proud of it. How's your travels with your husband, Amy? Hope you keep it up! :)
Elene Meyers
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cigarette users. An increase in mucin 5AC, a mucus secretion associated with chronic bronchitis and asthma, was also found in both e-cigarette and cigarette users. ways to quit smoking
My daughter (Annabel) suffered schizophrenia for 5 years. I had no idea what was happening and didn’t know where to turn for help. It was hard then because I really didn’t understand the symptoms earlier until she was diagnosed. There was a time she decided to get away from everyone, I was not excluded. I had to sit and cry almost every day because I felt helpless as a single mother (she is all I have got). The anguish I went through taking care of her alone is beyond explanation because there was no support whatsoever from the dad or family members. I fought for proper medical care and humane treatment; I did everything within my reach to get her cured but all to no avail. Countless different medications was prescribed (Zyprexa, fluphenazine, Risperdal, quetiapine, etc.) that she was taking but all we could get was myriad of side effects such as rigidity, drowsiness, dizziness, tremors and restlessness which tends to worsen the already damaged situation. Frustration was the order of the day. I wrote a couple of messages to Ontario Mental Health Foundation for help because watching my daughter go through such was devastating. It was at this foundation someone shared a testimony about DR Sunday herbal medicine, how effective it is and how she went through the most difficult times of her life trying to help her mom fight Schizophrenia. Being that I was already at the verge of giving up because I just couldn't imagine waking up every morning to fight the same demons that left me so tired the night before. I had to contact the doctor,on his email (drsundayherbalcenter@gmail.com) from our conversations; I was relieved and convinced that the result is going to be positive because I was made to contact people with worse cases. Today, the awful situation of my daughter has gone by. Her happy life is back. She is now a schizophrenia survivor and I am glad because my daily routine activities can now kick off without obstructions. Don't let Schizophrenia hinder you from living a desired life and also, never allow anyone to decide for you especially when they don't know what you have to go through to get to where you are. I was almost discouraged by the doctor but then, I remembered that: I have to shield my daughter’s destiny with courage, faith and perseverance because she is not in her right state of mind and that the bravery and freedom from fear is found in the ‘doing’. Her life is now a testimony. After my daughter got cured,from the herbal mix medicine Dr Sunday prepared and sent to me, she said, Mom “I just thought, ‘Well, I’m a weirdo, I’ll never be normal, then I said, my daughter, life itself is a misery and we get stronger in the places we have been broken. Thanks to you Dr. Sunday for your excellent counseling, no more psychotic symptoms for the past 3 years and 4 months now. To know more about Dr.Sunday and the effectiveness of his Herbs and roots extracts and he said he got cures for diseases like Bipolar,DIABETES, HPV,SHINGLES,CANCER, ALS, HEPATITIS B, KIDNEY DISEASE, HERPES, Ovarian Cancer,Pancreatic cancers, Bladder cancer,Skin cancer, Prostate cancer, Glaucoma., Cataracts,Macular degeneration,Cardiovascular disease,Autism,Lung disease.Enlarged prostate,Osteoporosis.Alzheimer's disease,psoriasis ,Tach Diseases,Lupus,Dementia.kidney cancer, lung cancer,. You can reach him on his Email at ... drsundayherbalcenter@gmail.com. I believe you will testify just like me.
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