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Coping With Depression When Everyday Tasks Feel Overwhelming

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2026-06-17 8:49 AM

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OK Everyone! Christmas is almost here! How will you cope?


ttin
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ttin
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19 years ago 0 87 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi, maggie. I was just talking about replacing old habits with a new one on another thread. Unfortunatly we don't have the Christmas dinner at our place anymore. We go to our oldest daughter's home now. We did retain Thanksgiving, though. I know that sounds crazy, but I miss all the craziness of getting ready for the Christmas entertaining and the big feast. Stressful, yes, very! I can't remember how many smokes I went through while doing all the baking, boiling and wrapping...Whew! Sounds like you've got a great pal in your dog! They are so tolerant of us, aren't they? I'm retraining myself to come up here to check in at the SSC and its a huge help when I have had the urges to go to the patio for that reward smoke (and every other smoke I used to have)! Hang in there. It will be over soon. :)Pat. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/22/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 2 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 105 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $11.4 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 6 [B]Mins:[/B] 10 [B]Seconds:[/B] 3

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    Days: 6539 Hours: 5

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    46235

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Kaitilina
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Kaitilina
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19 years ago 0 983 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Maggie, Honestly, I'm not sure what I'm going to do. This is my first smoke free Christmas...ever (parents smoked all my life)...and parents live in Florida now. I think I will continue to enjoy the fresh Michigan winter air. The wonderful smells of Christmas and the relaxation of my kid's and family opening presents without wondering when my next cig break is. I'm going to moderate the alcohol, although I would love to join Kiwi in the corner with a bottle of something special with some family members...This is going to be a wonderful holiday for me... Kaiti [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 11/7/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 36 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 803 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $198 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 3 [B]Hrs:[/B] 5 [B]Mins:[/B] 15 [B]Seconds:[/B] 38
fagashlynne
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fagashlynne
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19 years ago 0 2670 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I will cope by spending a quiet christmas as i usually do. I am usually working. also i live alone so no real temptations lynnexx [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 10/24/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 50 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 752 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �200 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 5 [B]Hrs:[/B] 15 [B]Mins:[/B] 14 [B]Seconds:[/B] 25

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    Days: 7070 Hours: 7

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Parrot Lady
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Parrot Lady
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19 years ago 0 738 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Maggie, Baggage is there whether you smoke or not. The craves will go away whether you smoke or not. And you have good company here, lots of us have lost dear ones; though my husband died 26 years ago, when I was 26, I did not lose a child, but still, I can relate to the feelings of loss. But that is not to say that we should or would smoke in response to that loss. In fact, I think it would be really sad to give in to the urge and in some ways would tarnish the memeory of our dear loved ones who are only with us (in this life) in our memories. So honor your memories, accept that it's painful, but move on and through it to the freedom of not smoking. It is freedom from bondage and freedom of choice. You do soooo deserve it. Denise [IMG]http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p300/DeeKaySss/Dogshug.gif[/IMG] [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 10/16/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 69 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,089 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $517.5 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 8 [B]Hrs:[/B] 3 [B]Mins:[/B] 7 [B]Seconds:[/B] 25
maggie
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maggie
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19 years ago 0 85 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I have sooo much baggage. Ok.. decorate the tree for 10 minutes. Have a drink, have a smoke..decorate. Wrap a present..have a smoke..wrap a present. Rinse the turkey..drain the turkey..stuff the turkey..have a smoke..peel the potatos. AAARGH! I have 30 years of Christmas chores and rewards to overcome. Let's stir in the dead parents, or grandparents, or even worse, dead children..(I lost a son on Dec 7th 33 years ago), and Voila! Christmas angst! Thank goodness for the dog (bless her-she loves me no matter what), and my long suffering husband. I just want to go to bed and wake up on January 3. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 10/3/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 70 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,128 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $577.5 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 9 [B]Hrs:[/B] 4 [B]Mins:[/B] 48 [B]Seconds:[/B] 28
ter724
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ter724
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19 years ago 0 537 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
How will I cope?? I will spend too much money! I usually do that anyway. I'll have to sleep on that question and get back to you in the morning! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/28/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 76 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,141 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $270.56 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 7 [B]Hrs:[/B] 9 [B]Mins:[/B] 35 [B]Seconds:[/B] 26
gonnadoit!
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gonnadoit!
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19 years ago 0 2838 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Tough one to answer... My first smoke-free Christmas, and, like you, smoking was a reward after decorating the tree, shopping, wrapping presents, while cooking, etc..... However, it is such a busy time for me both at work and home, that I try not to think about it, and it is getting easier and easier as time passes. Yesterday evening I forgot to take my Chantix and did not even notice until I took this morning's dose. I think I am ready to burn that bridge now. That light at the end of the tunnel looks a bit closer.... [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/8/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 96 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 4,821 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $768 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 9 [B]Hrs:[/B] 22 [B]Mins:[/B] 6 [B]Seconds:[/B] 0
Danielle, Bilingual Health Educator
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Danielle, Bilingual Health Educator
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19 years ago 0 8760 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Maggie, You've received some wonderful responses. Yes, the holidays can be stressful. Delegating is a good suggestion. Replacing is another one. You use to smoke to give yourself a reward and a break from the hustle and bustle of your day. Now that you're smoke free it is still very important to do that. Keep the same routine but instead of, "wrap a present, have a smoke, wrap a present", try wrap a present, take five, (Insert reward here. 5 minutes on SSC to read a quick cuddle with your pup?)wrap a present... The routine is still the same, nothing has really changed except the reward your giving yourself. Just because you're a non-smoker doesn't mean you don't deserve that five minute breather in between tasks! You can do this! Danielle _______________________ The SSC Support Team
adecodiva
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adecodiva
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19 years ago 0 607 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
WEll, to get through the holidays, I did exactly what I've done ever year, just without the smokes. The only thing different this year is I dont smoke and my hubby walked out the door to have a smoke while we were decorating the tree as a family. He just upped and left to have his smoke. See, that is why I dont even crave anymore. I do not want something so small ever controlling me again. I also lost someone dear to me on Dcember 7th but guess what, I made it through with the people here on SSC. I lost my brother 15 years ago to a drunk driver. He had a one month old when he was killed and we dont get to see my nephew. So see, people can make it through the holidays without excuses to smoke. Just keep busy, keep quit, and keep rewarding!! Hugs and Happy Holidays everyone Kim [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 6/7/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 189 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 4,733 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $765.45 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 16 [B]Hrs:[/B] 16 [B]Mins:[/B] 32 [B]Seconds:[/B] 25
HealerWithin
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HealerWithin
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19 years ago 0 2436 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
maggie -I'm sending you love, blessings and a huge hug... Just be still, dear one, and hold on to yourself tightly, time will pass... [url=[IMG]http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g31/healerwithin/bearhug.gif[/IMG]][IMG]http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g31/healerwithin/bearhug.gif[/IMG][/url] -and it will be Jan. 3rd before you know it... ~ Healer xox [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/5/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 294 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 10,312 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1367.1 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 38 [B]Hrs:[/B] 4 [B]Mins:[/B] 58 [B]Seconds:[/B] 51

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