Kathleen Quits with Support From Yorkshire Smokefree Calderdale
Published at 19 September, 2017.
What made you decide to join Yorkshire Smokefree Calderdale?
I decided to stop smoking and join Yorkshire Smokefree Calderdale for health reasons and support, while giving up.
Tell us about your experience of the health issue(s) that meant you needed our services
I have COPD and was unable to walk any distance without being out of breath. The simplest things I found hard to do so I was glad of the service offered for me.
How have these affected your life?
My daily tasks were very hard to do simple thing like making the bed even going for short walks made me breathless, so I didn’t go out much. I become very lonely and depressed.
How have the Yorkshire Smokfree team helped you during your quit attempt?
They have helped me by talking about things that made me want to stop and also having the support has helped me a great deal.
How has stopping smoking changed your life?
My whole outlook on life has changed. I now go out walking with my dog, go out on bus rides and can walk and breath better than I have done in 20 years. My cough has disappeared and can sleep better. I have also noticed my dog health has improved and im happier knowing he now lives in a Smokefree household.
What did you find most difficult? And how did you overcome it?
The 4th week I found hard thinking about a cigarette all day every day so I changed my routine and started knitting and embroidery. So if I felt like a cigarette I just got the needles out but the feeling of wanting a cigarette only lasted moments.
Is there anything trust services could have done differently or better for you?
No they are a very caring and understanding group. The group helped by talking about the issues that were present and present with my quit attempt. I am so glad I joined as I have more confidence in myself thanks to the group being there for me.
Has anything in particular helped you through your problems? (eg attending a support group, exercise, volunteering, art, gardening etc) Can you tell us more about this?
I think the first step is the hardest meeting people you don’t know and deciding to quit smoking. Joining a group is the best way forward without the group I think I could of easily slipped back into my old ways.
Is there any other information that you think is important to your story?
I have tried so many times to stop and failed trying to do it on my own. Now it was much better having the group to attend and its made a difference to my whole life.
The one thing I know I had made up my mind to stop and never going back. I am stronger now so I can say no. There has been many times when I have given in and craved a cigarette but no more my reason are:
- Bad Breath
- Smelly Clothes
- Smelly House
- Really bad cough
- Very breathlessness
- Habit
Quit for good NO going back to old ways is the best thing I have done. Getting rid of the cigarettes and being healthier, loving life thanks to the help of Yorkshire Smokefree team and group members.
