Did you read that post called "Withdrawal List?" Depression, anxiety, and panic attacks are part of the symptoms. I was shocked.
You know, I fell into a deep depression after being diagnosed with Diabetes. It felt like I was in a Black Hole and couldn't get out of it. I'd find myself sitting for hours, then look at the clock, shocked at how much time passed by, and wonder what I had been thinking about for all of that time....If anything at all. It was horrible. I didn't do anything, rarely even dressed for the day, and didn't want to talk to anyone at all. I would cry but then reached the point where I didn't even have the energy to cry. Honestly, if my quality of life wasn't going to improve, it wouldn't have hurt my feelings a bit if I didn't wake up the next morning. I wouldn't have hurt myself but didn't care if I died. All of that started because of that huge lifestyle change. Being told I am diabetic, the shots, pricking my fingers 4 to 6 times a day, the diet...oh, that diet, and the expense of it all.
Let's face it WhyNot, Quitting smoking is a HUGE lifestyle change too. If you were like me, smoking was one of those "me" things. You know, one of those things that I had just for myself. And when I quit, I really did feel like I was losing a dear companion. I know better than that but I did feel that way never the less. Any huge upset in your lifestyle or routine can trigger depression.
I know how you feel about taking medicine. I've felt that way too but you know what? When the depression hung on to me and I couldn't shake it off, I decided I'd give medicine a whirl. I couldn't get myself to fight hard enough to pull out of the depression on my own. And being on medicine is better than being in that deep, dark, black hole. I'm not on medication now for depression. I was only on it for a few months and it did help me. Lexapro is the medication I took. It gave me leg up and then, I fought like hell. I kept myself busy and I accepted that I'm diabetic.
Weird thing is, since I quit smoking, my anxiety has returned. I don't mean just tension. I mean those slap you in the face anxiety attacks with shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, hot and sweaty, tightness in the chest, and bordering panic. This Quit thing