Anger is a very common withdrawal symptom. This is due to the chemical withdrawal; but, also due to the fact that you have lost a coping strategy. It's great that you realized you need alternative coping strategies. Here are some I can suggest:
Take a break and count to 10
Deep abdominal breathing
Progressive Muscles Relaxation (PMR) - progressively tense and release every muscle in your body
Using humour or watching humour
Grounding - Look for five different sights, listen for four different sounds, touch three different sensations, Smell two different smells, taste one taste.
Write down your thoughts and then challenge any cognitive distortions
I had a couple of tough things happen today. I am so angry. I can’t remember any coping skills except for running and chain smoking and I already ran today. I am a mental health therapist, so I should be able to think of something, but anger more than any other emotion makes me dumb. Any ideas? Thank you
12 days smoke free.
Michelle
