How can I quit vaping if it helps my depression and anxiety?
Deciding to quit vaping is a great step for yourself and your health! You are not alone in feeling like vaping helps your depression and anxiety, but the truth is that it can actually make those emotions worse. Nicotine, one of the main components in vapes, affects your nervous system (our nervous system controls mood and brain function), specifically cortisol, which increases emotions of stress, depression, and anxiety.
Vaping is also a short-term fix for your mental health. The long-term way to help your mental health is by finding things that make you feel happy, positive, and healthy that are not vaping. Some things can be yoga, journaling, repeating positive affirmations, working out, coloring, cooking, eating your favorite snack, etc. What works for you may take trial-and-error but that can also help distract you from nicotine cravings while you are in the process of quitting.
Since you mentioned dealing with depression and anxiety, it may be best to consider reaching out to a trusted adult or doctor to help you with your quitting journey and mental health! A doctor can help you quit nicotine safely while also making sure your mental health is being prioritized. The journey may not be easy, but you will be working towards long-term adjustments for your mental health. Remember: vaping is only a temporary solution, and you do not want to sacrifice your mental health for a short-term feeling.
Need help with quitting vaping?
Quit Smoking – Tobacco Free NJ
- It is a free texting program; it is intended for people ages 13-24 who are ready to quit vaping
- Participants can text VAPEFREENJ to 88709 to enroll
If you need help finding a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist. If urgent care is more comfortable for you, please visit this site for a list of Atlantic Health urgent cares.
