Have any of you bipolars tried to quit smoking?!
Question: I quit four days ago and I was wondering if it is harder for us with mental illness.
Answers: I quit four days ago and I was wondering if it is harder for us with mental illness.
I was diagnosed Bipolar 1 eight years ago, I've smoked the whole time, and have never tried to quit. I've been told at a few hospitals that nicotine can actually help the balance of chemicals in bipolar patients. I am not sure of it, But this was told to me by nurses and one doctor. I personally don't think it would be any harder, to quit smoking would be a situational issue and being able to seperate what is situational from what is a Bipolar mood swing is crucial to remain somewhat stable, that I do know. I do, though, think that quitting smoking after a long time may very well be an extra source of stress ( as it is for everyone ) But being bipolar, the only difference might be your reactions to the stress. My best advice is to keep up the hard work kicking the habit, and remember it is completely situational. And when it does get hard, put those coping skills to work. . .Good luck! Hope I may have helped.
i think many of us bipolars (and other MI's) smoke because nicotine gives us a brain rush.
i have never heard of it balancing out symptoms, but i have read in a few different places that a large majority of mentally ill people do tend to smoke. take care
If you are having trouble quitting try COMMIT it helped me.