efram, quit coach
254 posts
Registered:
29 Nov 2017
23 Jun
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Hi stomper,
Fisrt, congratulations on all of your success! That you have persisted in spite of these panic attacks tells me how strongly you feel about quitting.
I see that you haven't had a response to your question yet, so I wanted to let you know that as a quit coach I've spoken with others who have had panic attacks while quitting. Not often, but it does happen. Quitting can affect brain chemistry and may cause increased withdrawal symptoms for people who have conditions such as anxiety, depression, etc.
There can also be challenges on the psychological level; if a person who smokes looks at cigarettes as a comfort, a "security blanket," a "crutch," or a "safety net," going without them can seem especially daunting at first. Figuring out other, healthier ways to cope can take some time.
Lighting a cigarette but not smoking it may help in the short term, but on the other hand it also is reinforcing a habit that you hope to put behind you.
Most withdrawal symptoms typically resolve within a 4-6 week period. Since you are around the two-month mark, it may be helpful to reach out to a health professional to talk further about how you are feeling.
I hope that you feel better soon, and hope that there are lots of positive aspects of being smoke-free happening as well!