How to Stop Smoking and Handle Depression

According to medicinenet.com, "Smoking is an addiction. Tobacco contains nicotine, a drug that is addictive. More than 430,000 deaths occur in the U.S. each year from smoking-related illnesses." Giving up smoking is as painstaking as kicking any other addiction. There are significant advantages to quitting including: enhancing health, a better appearance and less environmental toxins. Quitting on your own shows incredible willpower, but there are innumerable approaches if help is needed. According to smoking.ygoy.com, "Smoking causes depression because of the withdrawal from a physically and psychologically addictive substance, called nicotine." Consulting professional help is the best method to resolving any mental ailment, especially depression.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult a physician who will help you stop your smoking addiction. Talk to your physician about your depression and how smoking plays a role in it.

• 2

  Set a date to quit smoking. Tell your friends and family that you are quitting so that you will have a support system at all times. Spend more time with loved ones to avoid feelings of loneliness from depression.

• 3

  Notice what triggers your cravings to smoke. Supplant activities that trigger your smoking with engagements that are conducive to quitting. Exercise, read, dance or do something fun. Keep yourself busy and engaged to decrease depression symptoms.

• 4

  Join a support group for quitting smoking. Relate to the others who are trying to quit as well. Express your feelings and emotions as much as possible. Talk about your depression and be open to any advice offered.

• 5

  Replace cigarettes with a nasal spray or chewing gum. These products will slowly allay your body's craving for nicotine.

• 6

  Buy packs of cigarettes you dislike. The distaste will slowly prevent you from buying cigarettes altogether.

• 7

  Begin to eat a more balanced diet. Eating right can bring balance to the body and mind. Eat more fruits, vegetables, lean meats and drink plenty of water. Watch your depression slowly fade due to your contentment with overall health.

• 8

  Reach out to others to mitigate your depression. Learn from others and their means of coping with difficulty.