when you are stressed about school, do you smoke cigarettes?

shel_wny · Oct 10, 2004

Instead of self-medicating with smokes, you might want to look into a mild anti-anxiety drug of sorts through your PCP. It's a lot easier on the lungs and arguably not as habit forming. I completely understand about difficulty coping with anxiety. I don't smoke but sometimes I feel so anxious all I want to do is pace. Right now I'm getting through my anxiety by hitting the books so hard that I don't have time to be anxious. We'll see if this works...

Good luck and know that you are definitely not alone.

Shel

Sheri257 · Oct 10, 2004

Anyone have any insights on what I should do to calm my nerves.

As a former smoker, I know what you mean. I loved to smoke under stress. But, FYI, it's a myth that smoking calms your nerves (except maybe psychologically). It actually speeds up the heart, can interrupt your sleep and impair your memory ... not exactly great for school stress in the long run.

As a substitute, I exercise a lot more, and that seems to help. I also take a hot bath after I work out. And, I MAKE time for it because, otherwise, I go nuts.

:clown:

Imafloat, BSN, RN · Oct 10, 2004

A nursing instructor told me that when a people are stressed, they smoke. Right now, I am smoking because the stress of exams and passing school. Maybe, it is not worth it going through nursing school like this and being stressed. Anyone have any insights on what I should do to calm my nerves.

Did you smoke before you started school? Try exercise for stress. I took an aerobics class at my school because I knew if I had to be there or fail that I would be there. So far it is helping. I agree with the poster who said to try a mild anti anxiety drug, that might help also.

RedSox33RN · Oct 10, 2004

It is very stressful, but like the above posters said, talk to your PCP and see what the alternatives are. It doesn't even have to be a daily med - maybe just one that you can take when things are very stressful.

I'm going through a bout of very bad insomnia right now. Part of it is I have frozen shoulder, and the pain at night gets very bad. The other part is the stress of nursing school, a somewhat nasty divorce, and missing doing things with my kids because I'm studying ALL the time. I know it's not forever, but the lack of sleep is getting to me. I'm going to see my PCP and get something. I've been taking 3 Benadryl a night, but they don't even help, as do any of the other natural remedies (plus I'm diabetic, so can't take some of them). On the plus side of insomnia, I've been buying a lot of stocks and mutual funds (better than the Home Shopping Network, right??? :chuckle )

Indy, LPN, LVN · Oct 10, 2004

Ooh, watch out with the Benadryl. It can suddenly stop working as far as the drowsy effect, and of course if it does, it'll be at the most inopportune time. I have been in that loop sort of, only with Actifed. If I take it before bed now (and usually it's due to a really stuffy nose/allergies), it'll knock me on my behind and 2-3 hours later I wake up and can't sleep, mind racing 90mph, etc.

It's really bugging me now though, that I'm having insomnia so much. I average 4 hours a night of decent sleep during the week and then wind up napping a bunch on saturdays. Well, it's more like passing out than napping.

Personally I think the cure for this is graduation.

-Indy

klone, MSN, RN · Oct 10, 2004

A nursing instructor told me that when a people are stressed, they smoke.

What an odd thing to say.

Sure, a SMOKER would smoke when they are stressed. But if a person doesn't normally smoke, it certainly wouldn't occur to them to pick up a pack of cigarettes and start puffing away.

Did you smoke at all before you started school, and if not, did you START smoking after your instructor said this to you?

lisamc1RN, LPN · Oct 10, 2004

I don't smoke because I've never smoked before, but I do eat. I've gained 10 pounds since school started. Two of my classmates have picked up the smoking habit again, however.

EmilyCCRN · Oct 10, 2004

What an odd thing to say.
Sure, a SMOKER would smoke when they are stressed. But if a person doesn't normally smoke, it certainly wouldn't occur to them to pick up a pack of cigarettes and start puffing away.

I AGREE! I have never smoked a cigarette in my life, and I'm certainly not going to start now because school is "stressful". I can barely stand to be within 20 feet of someone who is smoking, so I have no intention of putting a cigarette in my mouth. Blech!

Jo Dirt · Oct 10, 2004

I never thought I would ever use any type of tobacco products but at age 29 I have started smoking cigars once in awhile in response to all the stress I have been under (not just school, but stress from family life, bills, etc.). I never smoke in my house (can't stand the smoke smell) but I get those sweet cigars and I actually like the smell of them, I sit out on the porch and I have found this very relaxing. Last night I was riding around with the window down with a cigar listening to my Santana CD for awhile and it did a lot to help ease my nerves...I have taken antianxiety meds before and I think by all means the occasional cigar is better than staying zonked on drugs. Of course, hopefully in the near future I won't have to rely on anything.

Good luck, feel free to pm me and we can cry on each other's shoulder. I know what you are going through. Don't pay attention to the people who will get on their soap box and tell you there is no reason to ever smoke just because school stresses you out. No one knows how you feel or what you are going through. I know several nurses who made it through school who didn't start smoking until they had been out for awhile, all did it in response to stress.

SuperSGirl · Oct 10, 2004

i can see that if you had been a smoker in the past resorting to smoking to help alleviate stress but it wasn't a very wise choice to start smoking otherwise. none the less, you are in that boat now. i agree that a mild anti-anxiety drug would be best. my doctor says he would rather see a person be hooked on xanax than smoke. an antidepressant like would be better. smoking is so hard on your body.

people handle stress in many ways. some drink alcohol, eat, exercise, sleep. i'm the sleeper. as an alternative to that, i get out of the house and just forget about what is stressing me for a few hours. try a movie with friends. don't let school consume you.

i am back in school getting my bsn. i get very stressed. sometimes i will have a glass of wine and sit outside. sometimes i get online and chat.

good luck!

PennyLane, RN · Oct 10, 2004

I smoked for almost 10 years, quit a few years ago, and started nursing school last year. I can say for sure that I have never craved a cigarette due to stress. The smell grosses me out now.

What do I do? Spend a few minutes each night before sleeping reading a novel or other book for pleasure.

Walk my dog twice a day. Take her to the park when I have time.

Go to the gym (when I have time).

Come here and read posts.

Try not to get overwhelmed with assignments, readings, tests, papers. Just take it one assignment at a time. Talking to others who are not in school can help put things in perspective, as other classmates tend to be just as stressed as you are.