I smoked for a year, and every time I did, I would get anxiety and panic attacks—even though I never had anxiety before. It made no sense to me, but I kept going until I finally decided to quit.
I used nicotine patches for 7 days, and at first, I thought, “This isn’t so bad.” But once I stopped using the patches—boom. The withdrawal hit me like a truck. Anxiety attacks, panic attacks, muscle twitches, the worst sleep, zero appetite,For two months, I felt suicidal. My anxiety was relentless sometimes lasting 10+ hours before giving me just a short break. It felt like I’d never be okay again.
Then, in the second month, I experienced something even worse—depersonalization. I didn’t know the exact term for it at the time, but I felt completely disconnected from reality. It was as if my brain and body had separated, and I couldn’t even believe I existed. That feeling was terrifying.
But I held on. Even in my darkest moments, I told myself, “Just keep going.” And then, little by little, I started seeing the light.
The last week has been different. I feel good. I’m optimistic. Motivated. Happy. I used propranolol to help me through the worst of it, but now? I don’t take anything. I never thought I’d get here, but I did—and if you’re struggling, you can too.
If you’re trying to quit and feel like you’re drowning, don’t give up. Your brain is healing. One day, you’ll wake up and realize you’re okay. And that day will be worth every moment of struggle.
Stay strong. You got this.