Nicotine has a powerful effect on your mental health.
Nicotine temporarily raises your dopamine levels, giving you a “rush” of feel-good hormones when you smoke or vape. But that good feeling quickly fades away, leaving you feeling agitated and restless. These symptoms can only be relieved by more nicotine or by quitting.
When you quit, and your body adjusts to being without nicotine, you may experience low moods, sadness, or anxiety. These feelings are temporary and usually get easier after your first few weeks nicotine-free. In fact, quitting smoking has been proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in the long term.
Some people believe that smoking or vaping helps them handle stress, but the truth is that it only makes things worse. Smoking or vaping can increase your heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension, making you feel more anxious. The relaxation you feel while smoking is actually just relief from nicotine withdrawal between cigarettes. Quitting makes space for you to find healthier coping mechanisms to manage your stress.
It’s important to monitor your mood after quitting and seek advice from a healthcare provider if your feelings of depression or anxiety persist.
Coping Strategies to Manage Moods
Be kind to yourself
Everyone has days when they don’t feel their best. Remind yourself that how you’re feeling is normal and will go away. Be patient and kind to yourself until these feelings pass, as you would a friend or loved one.
Try self-care activities
Mindfulness, movement, and reflection are proven self-care tools to help calm symptoms of anxiety and depression. Try them out and see what works for you.
Connect with others
Having regular social interactions, online or offline, can help boost your mood.