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Is it weird to want to smoke?

Hi Sam,
So recently, an awful lot of important things and people have come crashing down and I can feel that I'm a bit of a stress head at the moment! My grandma was talking to me the other day about everything that's happening and told me not to put on a brave face, if I want to cry, cry. I know that crying is a completely normal thing for humans to do but I find that if I do I'd feel stupidity afterwards. Anyway, since I try not too, my mind turns to smoking. This friend of mine found some cigarettes and we both shared one, a week ago maybe. I thought it was revolting at first but then after thinking about it, I wanted more. I've seriously considered starting to smoke because it just makes me feel 100% better just thinking about it and 1000% better after I did it.. Is this something I should be worried about? Should I or not?
Thanks Sam!
H x
Ask Sam

Sam

Hi,

Thanks for your letter telling me how things are for you at the moment. It sounds like there is a lot going on which is giving you a “stress head” and grandma seems to have recognised that you are having a tough time too and has tried to help.

People cope with stress and other pressures by many different ways. As you have realised, some people cry which can let out some of the pressure. Other people try different methods and it feels like having tried smoking a week or so ago, you are feeling that maybe smoking might help you to cope and feel better about what’s going on. It is important that we do find things which help us cope with difficult situations and stress and it can be useful to think about things, other than smoking, which might help.

You ask me if this is something that you should be worried about; it feels like you have some doubts and questions about it yourself. I can only tell you that there are big risks associated with smoking. You can find out more about this on the ChildLine website. There is also information on the NHS Website

Perhaps you might like to talk to someone about what is going on for you, which in itself might help you to sort things out and cope better.You could talk to an adult you trust, such as a family member or a teacher. You could also talk to a counsellor at ChildLine. You can contact them by phone on 0800 1111, by chatting on 1-2-1 through their website or by sending them an email. 

Take care,

Sam

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