Is Starting Smoking Worth the Potential Health Risks?

[Surrealist]

Due to recent personal matters that have caused me upsetting emotions, I have been feeling so much anxiety lately. Sometimes it is difficult for me to focus on my research. Sometimes I just feel so depressed and/or upset, I find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. Sometimes when I am trying to type up a report on my computer, I just can't get myself started. I feel so nervous all the time.

One of the main reasons people start smoking is to relieve stress. Maybe if I started smoking, I wouldn't feel so nervous anymore. The trade-off is that I would reduce my life expectancy and increase my chances of developing health problems. But, I feel so desperate to end my anxiety.

 

[Poop-Loops]

One of the reasons people start smoking is to look cool. Any addiction just causes more stress and anxiety. I can't see how smoking would make it any better.

Have problems in life? I'd talk to a therapist. They work wonders. Much better than getting addicted to something.

 

[Cyrus]

You have some odd posts my friend. One on thin girls, another on cheating with a robot, now one on smoking...u need to see someone professional.

 

[Danger]

Surrealist, don't even ****ing think about it! Nicotine is the second most addictive substance on the planet, next to cocaine. No hazards were known about it when I started. Now I'm dying of emphysema, and still can't quit. (Chill, friends... I intend to prolong that dying for a few decades.) Buy yourself some surf-sound CD's and leave the cancer sticks behind.

 

[Surrealist]

You have some odd posts my friend. One on thin girls, another on cheating with a robot, now one on smoking...u need to see someone professional.

Some of my posts are meant to be humorous... humor momentarily kills the depression and anxiety... but thanks for your vote of confidence.

Anyway, I did see a professional therapists... and it was worthless... and eventually I was told that I was cured and I should go away... I'm guessing "being cured" is more influenced by insurance companies than anything else.

Seriously though... has anyone here ever been to a professional therapist. All they do is talk out of their ass and verify the fact that when rich kids grow up and get Ivy League educations, they cannot possibly understand the problems of people who really have problems.

 

[Cyrus]

Why can't you get out of bed?

 

[Evo]

You seem to be suffering from severe stress and depression. You should see a doctor, they might be able to help.

DO NOT START SMOKING! That's only going to make things worse.

 

[arunma]

Due to recent personal matters that have caused me upsetting emotions, I have been feeling so much anxiety lately. Sometimes it is difficult for me to focus on my research. Sometimes I just feel so depressed and/or upset, I find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. Sometimes when I am trying to type up a report on my computer, I just can't get myself started. I feel so nervous all the time.

One of the main reasons people start smoking is to relieve stress. Maybe if I started smoking, I wouldn't feel so nervous anymore. The trade-off is that I would reduce my life expectancy and increase my chances of developing health problems. But, I feel so desperate to end my anxiety.

Should you start smoking? Only if you want to die, I suppose. Trust me when I say that smoking is one of the most self-destructive and idiotic things that anyone could choose to do. I have a cousin who started smoking a few years ago. He always says he's going to quit, and then doesn't follow through. It's amazing to see how he'll always avoid the issue, say that he'll quit "later," and basically do whatever it takes to get another cigarette in his mouth. Not to mention that he always smells terrible.

I don't actually sanction this, but if you absolutely must use drugs to make yourself feel better, then alcohol and marijuana would be better choices (obviously not together, since that'll kill you). Neither drug has nearly the same long-term deleterious effect as cigarettes, and they are both far easier to quit. I guess what I'm saying is: don't develop chemical dependancies, but if you do...

 

[cristo]

Seriously though... has anyone here ever been to a professional therapist. All they do is talk out of their ass and verify the fact that when rich kids grow up and get Ivy League educations, they cannot possibly understand the problems of people who really have problems.

How did you "find" your therapist? I would suggest (if this isn't what you've already done) going to your doctor and asking for a referral to a therapist-- he will be able to point you in the direction of the "better" therapists. I assure you that not all therapists are the same, however it should be understood that not every therapist works for every person (due to clash of personalities, or techniques that just do not work for you) so I would advise not to give up due to one bad experience.

I've never been to a therapist myself, but someone very close to me has for quite a while, and thus I might be able to say something constructive. Therapy is very difficult, in the sense that one has to open up and tell things to a complete stranger, and is a very time-consuming experience. You cannot expect to go and see someone once a week for a month and be fine, as there is generally no quick solution to depression. The sessions may start by simply having a chat about one's day, but will progress to talking openly about things that one may never have mentioned to anyone, even their closest friends. However, I know that it is very rewarding when one realizes that one no longer needs to go and talk, and that things have gotten better.

The most important thing is to not give up, and to remember that you can start to feel better and get your life back on track. Oh and, definitely, don't start smoking!

Good luck!

 

[larkspur]

Give up caffeine or exercise until you drop but don't start smoking!

 

[Surrealist]

Why can't you get out of bed?

Lately, I have been having difficulty getting out of bed in the morning because when I'm asleep I can escape my anxiety. Every morning I have to tell myself that I just need to find the strength to keep functioning... and if I can just do that long enough maybe things will get better.

 

[Surrealist]

Give up caffeine or exercise until you drop but don't start smoking!

Yeah, that's a good idea. I have been trying to drink decaf lately because I've noticed that too much caffeine only intensifies the anxiety. I tried exercising a few months ago... it seemed to help, but I don't always feel like doing it. Actually, I never feel like doing it... but no one ever said life is easy.

 

[Surrealist]

I wish I could go to church... but I don't believe in Jesus... just God. Sometimes at night, I pray for things to get better... I don't know if it really helps.

 

[Cyrus]

I wish I could go to church... but I don't believe in Jesus... just God. Sometimes at night, I pray for things to get better... I don't know if it really helps.

stay away from chuch, unless you want to be brain washed into thinking Jesus will cure your depression!

 

[radou]

I don't actually sanction this, but if you absolutely must use drugs to make yourself feel better, then alcohol and marijuana would be better choices (obviously not together, since that'll kill you). Neither drug has nearly the same long-term deleterious effect as cigarettes, and they are both far easier to quit. I guess what I'm saying is: don't develop chemical dependancies, but if you do...

Are you for real? ALCOHOL is easy to quit??

stay away from chuch, unless you want to be brain washed into thinking Jesus will cure your depression!

So what if one thinks Jesus will cure his depression? As long as it works, it's ok.

 

[Kurdt]

I have monumental anxiety constantly due to a particular condition I have but I would never trade thatfor smoking. There are ways to learn to deal with anxiety and its a lot easier thn developing a habit. If anxiety is a problem you can't face on your own then your doctor can offer lots of help in the form of leaflets and then recommendations to councellors.

 

[Surrealist]

I have monumental anxiety constantly due to a particular condition I have but I would never trade thatfor smoking. There are ways to learn to deal with anxiety and its a lot easier thn developing a habit. If anxiety is a problem you can't face on your own then your doctor can offer lots of help in the form of leaflets and then recommendations to councellors.

I am sorry to hear about your monumental anxiety. My anxiety and depression has been induced by a particular loss that happened in my life about six months ago. I am just trying to come to grips with reality so I can move on.

 

[Surrealist]

Fight Club

If anyone happens to have an underground Fight Club going on... let me know... that is exactly the kind of thing that could help me right now.

 

[Kurdt]

I am sorry to hear about your monumental anxiety. My anxiety and depression has been induced by a particular loss that happened in my life about six months ago. I am just trying to come to grips with reality so I can move on.

Then I would recommend talking to a medical professional they can be very helpful. I know a lot of people think there is a stigma attached to that kind of thing but that really shouldn't apply. Seriously consider that first.

 

[dontdisturbmycircles]

Hi Surrealist. If you were to start smoking in my opinion you would just be adding more stress to your life. Being addicted to nicotine in itself can be depressing...

Although I don't know very much about depression or anything, asking for a referal to a good therapist from your doctor as cristo suggested sounds like a good idea. If you don't feel too geeky you can even read reviews on the internet for therapists/doctors/dentists. I actually had no idea such websites existed until I google'd my dentist's name and came upon one. So that may help you find a good therapist as well. Here is one to start you off:

http://ratemds.com/

Anyways, best of luck to you Surrealist. There is no shame in seeing a therapist, I hope you find a good one.

 

[Crosson]

A multi-day hiking camping vacation is a great way to recharge your personal energy and start a new chapter in life.

Ciggarettes are no good, they just taste like death to me. Alcohol is good if you are not a habit forming person (be warned, alcoholic = 1 drink per month, so quit clean when your done).

 

[arunma]

Are you for real? ALCOHOL is easy to quit??

Sorry, I should clarify my earlier statement. I absolutely do not mean to say that alcohol is easy to quit. In fact I'm well aware of its addictive properties in some individuals. What I am saying is that on a relative scale, alcohol is easier to quit than cigarettes. Millions of people regularly drink alcohol and are not addicted to it. But can anyone here name even one single regular smoker who is not addicted to cigarettes? Alcohol isn't specially designed by liquor companies to get you addicted. Cigarette companies, on the other hand, pour millions of dollars of research into designing highly addictive products. In that sense, cigarettes are far worse.

I want to be clear in saying that I DO NOT suggest he gets addicted to alcohol. At the same time, I am thinking realistically, and I know that he might have his heart set on curing his problems with mind-altering chemicals. If he absolutely must do this, I think most of us can agree that alcohol is a better choice than cigarettes.

stay away from chuch, unless you want to be brain washed into thinking Jesus will cure your depression!

Actually, whatever your religious beliefs may be, religion has the ability to abate depression. Religion puts the faithful in a community with like-minded individuals, and gives them a social support system. This can be especially helpful for depressed people. Of course, not all religions are equal in this regard. Hinduism, Buddhism, and various other "lone ranger" religions don't always require contact with others. If you're going to choose a religion for the sole purpose of curing depression, it might be a good idea to choose one that has a decently-sized community nearby.

 

[Cyrus]

So what if one thinks Jesus will cure his depression? As long as it works, it's ok.

No, its not ok. Just as taking up smoking is not ok. Its dangerous poison for his mind. Hes depressed. If he feels better, he's going to think it was because Jesus made him better, and that's exactly what those nuts at church want him to think. Reason goes out the window with these people.

 

[Evo]

I wish I could go to church... but I don't believe in Jesus... just God. Sometimes at night, I pray for things to get better... I don't know if it really helps.

If you want to go to church find a non-christian one if that is more inline with what you believe.

Everyone goes through bad times. If you do not think you are strong enough to deal with it, get help. End of discussion.

 

[Cyrus]

If anyone happens to have an underground Fight Club going on... let me know... that is exactly the kind of thing that could help me right now.

Then take up boxing and beat some guys brains out, or vise versa.

 

[Cyrus]

(be warned, alcoholic = 1 drink per month, so quit clean when your done).

What? 1 drink, I don't think so. I drink more than 1 drink a month and I never get drunk. Who came up with that rule?

 

[Chi Meson]

There have been several similar posts here over the past few years. My advice is always the same.

I was severely depressed during college. A combination of bad luck, bad advice, Scottish blood, and mono, put me in spiral that caused me to sleep through my 2:00 PM classes. No joke.

I had to see a professional MD psychiatrist for a year, I took antidepressants for a year, and now I am handling things fine. The most important thing that I must do is stay active. I think you realize this at some point (re: your mention of a "fight club") my choice is running. Back then I also started rock climbing, but it's running that has kept me going for the 20 years since then.

Don't smoke, it slows you down.

 

[Surrealist]

Concerning alcohol... I had a bloody mary the other night to help take the edge off the evening. I don't want to drink too much though. I've known a few alcoholics in my lifetime. The thought of ending up like them scares the **** out of me.

 

[Surrealist]

If you want to go to church find a non-christian one if that is more inline with what you believe.

Is there a Western religion that addresses the issue of God without getting developing a dependency on Jesus?

I tried the Buddhist thing when I was young... I just didn't feel a connection with it. It's from an Eastern culture. It has nothing to do with me.

I remember when I was very young, I went to the Catholic church. It seemed comforting as a child, but again, there is no sense in participating in Christianity if I don't want to be a Christian.

What would be really cool is a community in which to discuss philosophical and psychological issues as they pertain to everyday life without having to resort to a dependency on religious dogma. Maybe such a group would be called something like a philosophy club.

 

[Surrealist]

... or maybe a metaphysically challenged support group...

 

[Evo]

If I had to choose a religion, it would probably be the Ainu

Otter

Why it is responsible for man's imperfect nature, and why you should be careful about eating its head

"The otter's head must not lightly be used as an article of food, for unless people are very careful they will, if they eat it, become as forgetful as that creature. And hence it happens that when an otter has been killed the people do not usually eat the head.

"But if they are seized with a very strong desire for a feast of otter's head, they may partake thereof, providing proper precautions are taken. When eating it the people must take their swords, knives, axes, bows and arrows, tobacco boxes and pipes, trays, cups, garden tools, and everything they possess, tie them up in bundles with carrying slings, and sit with them attached to their heads while in the act of eating ... If this method be carefully adhered to, there will be no danger of forgetting where a thing has been placed, otherwise loss of memory will be the result."

This is one you should look into, it will at least take your mind off of your problems.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/hokkaido/legends.html

Have you seen the moonwalking manakin bird?

 

[Danger]

Surrealist, you are prompting me to dump some **** that I don't usually publicize. I only hope that my public embarrassment can be of help to you. It's not really that much of a sacrifice, since the people here who know my true identity are friends that I would trust with my life.
For one thing, any idiot who wants to hang out a shingle can be a 'psychotherapist'; there's no regulation. Stay away from any new-age gurus or herbalists or aromatherapists or any of that bull****. Find a good psychiatrist (who, by definition, has to have an MD). If you absolutely have to, settle for a certified clinical psychologist. (But remember that Dr. Phil is one of those, and he's a total typical Texas bully-boy
****ing fruitcake.)
Church-wise, I would recommend Unitarian-Universalist. My old man was an agnostic, and also a preacher for that denomination. Other than an occassional prayer or hymn, they're pretty much just a community group like any social club. I'm a semi-militant atheist myself, but there is at least one member here that I admire intensely, who is a Unitarian. Perhaps s/he will approach you about it. It's the least religious religion on the planet. (My dad got religious education kicked out of the Ontario school system. )
By the definition of 'alcoholic' that I saw listed, I'm so far off of the chart that I should be in a lab somewhere. I have anywhere from 4 to 14 beers every day. Average is probably about 6. This being a weekend, and Saturday being 'take a beer to work' day, I had 3 for breakfast, 6 for my extended lunch, and am on the 4th or 5th since getting home. It's only a quarter to 9, so I'll have at least 4 more before hitting the sheets.
I am, incidentally, on Wellbutrin and Cilaxis, one each per day. They don't do much to curtail the drinking (in fact, they seem to increase it), but I was down to as few as 3 cigarettes a day for a while, and am now back up to about 2/3 pack. That's still better than the 2 packs that I was on before. Mainly, however, I for very good reason refer to them as my 'I don't want to kill anybody today' pills. If you're okay to start with, they can destroy your mind. Mine was destroyed to start with, and these suckers made life worth living again.

 

[Ki Man]

Smoking is like like investing in a suicidal savings account.

 

[Danger]

Good one, Ki. I haven't heard that before, but it's too true.

 

[Huckleberry]

If you want to make the biggest mistake you've ever made, then go ahead and start smoking. Think about how much fun it will be spending the rest of your life trying to quit.

 

[Pythagorean]

What? 1 drink, I don't think so. I drink more than 1 drink a month and I never get drunk. Who came up with that rule?

If you've been to AA then everything you ever do makes you an alcoholic.

They call people like you and me "maintenance alcoholics"

(I was forced to go to two AA meetings for a 'minor in possessoin' when I was younger, not for any drunken behavior or anything, I just like a beer everyone once in a while)

 

[Danger]

(I was forced to go to two AA meetings for a 'minor in possessoin' when I was younger

Did you look into fighting that? Technically, that's unconstitutional (at least here) because it's a religious organization. You can be forced into some sort of rehab, but that one shouldn't be allowed.

Okay, I'm going to turn in now. That 16th beer made me a tad drowsy. Later.

 

[Pythagorean]

Did you look into fighting that? Technically, that's unconstitutional (at least here) because it's a religious organization. You can be forced into some sort of rehab, but that one shouldn't be allowed.

Okay, I'm going to turn in now. That 16th beer made me a tad drowsy. Later.

Well, Alaska started as a foregin trade zone, and alcohol been a problem here, forever so it me regulations get tacked on.

Consequences for that MIP:
lose license until 21
AA meetings and community service OR fines
SR-22 Insurance only

All that has been removed now, because it was declared unconstitutional, as you say, and there was a punishment must fit crime argument too, because a kid who drinks doesn't necessarily drink irresponsibly (besides the fact that he's underage, I suppose).

 

[Pythagorean]

Oh yeah, and to the OP, definitely to NOT start smoking (cigarettes, crack, or meth)

 

[radou]

No, its not ok. Just as taking up smoking is not ok. Its dangerous poison for his mind. Hes depressed. If he feels better, he's going to think it was because Jesus made him better, and that's exactly what those nuts at church want him to think. Reason goes out the window with these people.

You are *such* a stereotype, man.

 

[JasonRox]

Surrealist, you are prompting me to dump some **** that I don't usually publicize. I only hope that my public embarrassment can be of help to you. It's not really that much of a sacrifice, since the people here who know my true identity are friends that I would trust with my life.
For one thing, any idiot who wants to hang out a shingle can be a 'psychotherapist'; there's no regulation. Stay away from any new-age gurus or herbalists or aromatherapists or any of that bull****. Find a good psychiatrist (who, by definition, has to have an MD). If you absolutely have to, settle for a certified clinical psychologist. (But remember that Dr. Phil is one of those, and he's a total typical Texas bully-boy
****ing fruitcake.)
Church-wise, I would recommend Unitarian-Universalist. My old man was an agnostic, and also a preacher for that denomination. Other than an occassional prayer or hymn, they're pretty much just a community group like any social club. I'm a semi-militant atheist myself, but there is at least one member here that I admire intensely, who is a Unitarian. Perhaps s/he will approach you about it. It's the least religious religion on the planet. (My dad got religious education kicked out of the Ontario school system. )
By the definition of 'alcoholic' that I saw listed, I'm so far off of the chart that I should be in a lab somewhere. I have anywhere from 4 to 14 beers every day. Average is probably about 6. This being a weekend, and Saturday being 'take a beer to work' day, I had 3 for breakfast, 6 for my extended lunch, and am on the 4th or 5th since getting home. It's only a quarter to 9, so I'll have at least 4 more before hitting the sheets.
I am, incidentally, on Wellbutrin and Cilaxis, one each per day. They don't do much to curtail the drinking (in fact, they seem to increase it), but I was down to as few as 3 cigarettes a day for a while, and am now back up to about 2/3 pack. That's still better than the 2 packs that I was on before. Mainly, however, I for very good reason refer to them as my 'I don't want to kill anybody today' pills. If you're okay to start with, they can destroy your mind. Mine was destroyed to start with, and these suckers made life worth living again.

My uncle used to drink like that. Have beer for break and all that jazz, and so on. His liver isn't working well or barely at all right now. Stop drinking? Well, drinking in the way that you are and my uncle, the body tends to forget how to live without alcohol. Either way with alcohol or no alcohol, you're body is slowly drifting away.

No offense, but you speak of it like it's a "tough" man thing. Personally, I see nothing tough about it. Maybe idiocy, but certainly not "tough".

If I were you, I would stop. (Smoking and drinking.) Not easy, well suck it up. Easier said than done? I don't give a **** and do it anyways period. You sit here telling the world how you're dieing away with these diseases and well doing nothing about it. With those kind of traits, people will have a hard time listening to you for advice. Not that many people want help from those who can barely help themselves.

A lady from work just told me she has chronic bronchitis (spelling?) right after she was diagnosed. She took it quite well... actually she didn't seem bothered by it. I was just outside of the doctors office, so I was the first person she told. She smoked for probably just as long as you Danger. Not 100% sure though, but she is 50 years old and has been smoking for about or atleast 30 years. Deadly illness just like you. She quit and so did my uncle. Why can't you?

 

[larkspur]

Yeah, that's a good idea. I have been trying to drink decaf lately because I've noticed that too much caffeine only intensifies the anxiety. I tried exercising a few months ago... it seemed to help, but I don't always feel like doing it. Actually, I never feel like doing it... but no one ever said life is easy.

I never feel like exercising either but I find I sleep much more soundly when I do, so I make myself get out and do it. It is much easier to get motivated when I work out with a friend.

 

[dontdisturbmycircles]

My uncle used to drink like that. Have beer for break and all that jazz, and so on. His liver isn't working well or barely at all right now. Stop drinking? Well, drinking in the way that you are and my uncle, the body tends to forget how to live without alcohol. Either way with alcohol or no alcohol, you're body is slowly drifting away.

No offense, but you speak of it like it's a "tough" man thing. Personally, I see nothing tough about it. Maybe idiocy, but certainly not "tough".

If I were you, I would stop. (Smoking and drinking.) Not easy, well suck it up. Easier said than done? I don't give a **** and do it anyways period. You sit here telling the world how you're dieing away with these diseases and well doing nothing about it. With those kind of traits, people will have a hard time listening to you for advice. Not that many people want help from those who can barely help themselves.

A lady from work just told me she has chronic bronchitis (spelling?) right after she was diagnosed. She took it quite well... actually she didn't seem bothered by it. I was just outside of the doctors office, so I was the first person she told. She smoked for probably just as long as you Danger. Not 100% sure though, but she is 50 years old and has been smoking for about or atleast 30 years. Deadly illness just like you. She quit and so did my uncle. Why can't you?

These are kinda harsh words for somebody who is trying to help someone out, aren't they? I don't think Danger is asking for sympathy, but is just trying to help out by sharing his story.

Surrealist you said you were looking for a 'fight club'... Why not join up for kick boxing / boxing / whatever lessons to get your mind off things?

 

[humanino]

I would like to add a few things. As everybody also said, do not start smoking. That would certainly be one of the stupidest decision. It is however not true that one cannot quit. I have quit. I had been smoking for ten years, and a lot. Every time I think about it, I feel like I stepped out of slavery, and now the sky is brighter. Seriously

Get yourself busy, stay active as Chi Meson adviced you. Even if you do not like sport now, if you start doing it on a regular basis, little by little more everyday, you will see that after a few weeks you will not only like it, but you will miss it if you don't do it Get addicted to sport, it is good for your health

And of course a creative activity is excellent to set you in a good mood. Playing music, or painting, or poetry writing, very efficient to get outside all the feelings you want to express, be it anger, pain, or joy !

 

[honestrosewater]

What would be really cool is a community in which to discuss philosophical and psychological issues as they pertain to everyday life without having to resort to a dependency on religious dogma. Maybe such a group would be called something like a philosophy club.

Talks to us. We gots problems.

Did you say that thinking about God helps you deal with loss? Are you looking for some kind of fairness or justice or a parental figure or something? I'm just curious. No pressure to answer. I am agnostic now, but I was raised a Christian. My dad wasn't around, actually, neither of my parents were really there for me, and that's one thing that I liked about God. He added some justice and caring to the world.

I just remembered that religious discussions are on thin ice around here, but as long as it sticks to how some religious ideas are helpful to you personally rather than diatribes on why one religion is obviously wrong and all of its followers are brainwashed idiots, I imagine it would be okay.

Oh, yeah: do not start smoking!1111111 I quit ~1.5 years ago after smoking for ~10 years.

 

[Poop-Loops]

Seriously though... has anyone here ever been to a professional therapist. All they do is talk out of their ass and verify the fact that when rich kids grow up and get Ivy League educations, they cannot possibly understand the problems of people who really have problems.

I have. I have depression and went to see one to get it sorted. It helped beyong belief. Just having someone to talk to who could understand was magnificant. If the one you went to sucked, find a new one.

 

[radou]

Oh, yeah: do not start smoking!1111111 I quit ~1.5 years ago after smoking for ~10 years.

Hey, congratulations!

For some reason, I thought you were still smoking.

 

[Ki Man]

Dont smoke. Find something constructive that will relieve you when you feel down. Smoking isn't the magical answer to everything, and there are many other thigns you can do that are goign to pay out better in the end.

my grandpa is in his 70s and he's been smoking for over 50 years. He was in the army and served in Korea and Vietnam but the hardest thing he has ever tried is quitting. He's tried to quit so many times but even with the help of doctors he can't stop. When I visit he tells me the best thing you can ever do for yourself is not start. Strangely enough though, he doesn't have cancer or anything. I guess he's just lucked out compared to certain other cases

 

[honestrosewater]

Hey, congratulations!

For some reason, I thought you were still smoking.

Thanks.

Oh, also, I think Stoicism has some great ideas about dealing with loss, depression, anxiety, and related things, if you're philosophically-inclined. My childhood and adolescence was basically one tragedy after another, and I have an anxiety disorder whose symptoms started at around 17. I've talked to dozens of counselors, psychologists, etc. for various lengths of time, but the most helpful ideas for me came from Aristotle, Epictetus, Shakespeare, modern scientific theories, etc. Helpful ideas can come from lots of places.

Of course, feeling depressed or anxious isn't necessarily only a matter of your outlook any more than diabetes is just a matter of having the wrong attitude, and seeing a medical professional might be necessary. But if you aren't too keen on taking psychoactive drugs, you might want to ask your doctor (or whoever) about http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy" , or look into it yourself. Have you ever heard of this? A lot of it is pretty common-sensical stuff once think about it (I had a lot of those "why didn't I think of that?" moments), and it worked nicely for me.

CBT has a good evidence base in terms of its effectiveness in reducing symptoms and preventing relapse. It has been clinically demonstrated in over 400 studies to be effective for many psychiatric disorders and medical problems for both children and adolescents. It has been recommended in the UK by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence as a treatment of choice for a number of mental health difficulties, including post-traumatic stress disorder, OCD, bulimia nervosa and clinical depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy most closely allies with the Scientist-Practitioner Model of Clinical Psychology, in which clinical practice and research is informed by a scientific perspective; clear operationalization of the "problem" or "issue;" an emphasis on measurement (and measurable changes in cognition and behavior); and measurable goal-attainment.

 

[Danger]

These are kinda harsh words for somebody who is trying to help someone out, aren't they? I don't think Danger is asking for sympathy, but is just trying to help out by sharing his story.

Thank you for that, Circles. You nailed it. I don't need sympathy, I don't want it, and I certainly don't deserve it. I was merely pointing out the sort of traps that are out there when one starts messing about with nasty substances.
Jason, despite whatever admiration you hold for your relatives, you obviously have no concept of what addiction is. I can easily quit both drinking and smoking cold turkey. The point is, I don't want to. That is the serious side of being addicted; I enjoy both so much that I'm willing to face the physical and financial hardships attendant thereto.
My habits have no detrimental effect upon my work or home life, and I hope none toward my admittedly meager contributions to the Physics and Engineering forums. Should they start to do so, I'll change.