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Background: I went to the doctor yesterday because I've been showing signs of severe depression for over a month now (no interest in activities I previously enjoyed - trouble sleeping or sleeping constantly - irritability - feeling down/blue/deflated - etc.) She gave me a test and decided that I'm indeed depressed -- she gave me a presciption and referred me to a psychologist.
During the course of talking with me, she asked if I had made any major lifestyle changes in the past 2-3 months. I told her about giving up caffeine (because of stomach problems) and that I had stopped smoking. She kind of smiled.
From what I gathered from her, smoking is often a self-medicating alternative for those who have other issues, including depression. Many people are able to utilize it to mask or push down the symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders and so forth.
Knowing that many of us have stopped smoking within the past couple of months, I thought this information might be helpful to others. If you have stopped smoking and are having the signs of depression, anxiety, etc. -- please go see your doctor.
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