How much you're mentally and emotionally affected when you quit smoking is different for everybody. But assume you will deal with some or all of the following signs of withdrawal:
- Anxiety. Smoking relieves stress, so your anxiety can skyrocket when you quit. It tends to pop up around 3 days in and can last a couple of weeks.
- Depression. It can start the first day you quit but is generally gone within a month. But if you have a history of anxiety and/or depression, yours could last longer and you might need extra help from your doctor to manage your symptoms.
- Irritability. You might have a short fuse -- even find yourself angry -- from time to time as you deal with the physical symptoms. It’s normal and should pass.
- Mental fog. You’ll probably have a hard time concentrating as the nicotine wears off and leaves your body.