[OutlawedSpirit]

Well, I'm not new to PC, but I'm new to this forum. I've by dx with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, and PTSD. I recently quit smoking, and it is definitely exacerbating my symptoms. I was manic the first day or two, now depression is rearing it's ugly head. I burst into tears earlier because, well, I don't know why, but I'm sure you understand.

[regretful]

Depression is the often overlooked dark side of a bipolar disorder. I hope that the tearful episodes don't persist for too long. I know depression all too well, and hope that you can have some of that suffering alleviated soon.

Welcome to PC

[gayleggg]

Hi, as an ex-smoker, I understand what you are going through. The first time I tried to quit I got so depressed I wound up in the hospital. A few years later, with my pdocs help, I used the patch and managed to quit for good without the depression setting. Back then I was only diagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder. I shouldn't say "only" there is nothing worse than the despair of depression.

My suggestion is to keep in close contact with your doctor as you go through this. It is worth it if you can manage it, and if you can't this you can always try again with another method of help. It also, helps to have a good support system. But don't let your depression get to the danger point the way I did. Good luck to you.

[OutlawedSpirit]

I thought I was going to be good this time, cause my first two days really weren't bad. The cravings were there, but otherwise it was manageable. I am using the lozenges cause my pdoc told me not to quit cold turkey. This depression today, though, has hit hard and fast.

[hvert]

Quitting is hard. It will get better over time, but it just flat out sucks for a while, even with lozenges/patches/gum. Gayle had some good tips. The first few weeks are the worst, but it gets easier. Good luck, I hope you feel better.