Melissa, who had smoked 15–20 cigarettes a day and drank heavily daily, has transformed her life by quitting smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. She has embraced a healthier lifestyle, now enjoying activities such as hiking, wild swimming, and painting.
Having tried to quit numerous times before, Melissa rejoined the Livewell service in 2025. She received weekly one-to-one sessions with advisor Gubby, who assisted her in creating a structured quit plan. Melissa opted for free nicotine patches to manage withdrawal symptoms.
The sessions focused on goal setting, understanding and managing triggers, and building confidence. Gubby's guidance helped Melissa recognise and deal with triggers differently, suggesting therapeutic activities like drawing and painting to keep her hands and mind occupied. Painting by numbers has become a favourite hobby, resulting in personal artwork that brought her daughter to tears.
Before her successful quit attempt, Melissa felt 'stuck in a rut' with her lifestyle, experiencing anxiety and low mood that affected her relationships. By adopting the structured approach learned with Gubby – setting daily goals, managing triggers, and reviewing progress – she reports a "massive difference" to her mental wellbeing.
Now feeling like a different person, Melissa describes herself as happier and healthier, with a changed outlook on life. She enjoys being active and outdoors, noting improvements in her skin and hair, and feeling proud of her appearance. Everyday activities are now easier without the need for cigarettes or vapes.
One of her proudest moments was walking her daughter down the aisle, feeling like the 'best version' of herself. Melissa is now keen to encourage others to make positive changes, planning to lead walks and support people struggling with activity. She acknowledges that change was not easy, especially during times of bereavement and pressure, but believes her story demonstrates that long-term change is possible.
Melissa's message to those considering quitting is: "even if you’ve gone back to smoking before, pick yourself up and try again. With the right support, it can feel different." She emphasises that with Livewell's help, she put in the hard work and received extra support when needed most, now recognising and managing her triggers effectively.
