I was successful in quitting 5 years ago, pack a day for as long as I can remember. The method I used was reading Allen Carr The Easy Way To Stop Smoking. The thought of a cigarette turns my stomach now. Good luck pal.
Eating healthy and exercise will help enormously with depression and anxiety. Try some hiit workouts, you will find plenty on YouTube and is a great way to burn fat. Keep your chin up pal.
Hi, hope things start looking up for you soon pal. An old friend of mine has a very similar past to yours. Last I spoke to him he was living in the Bournemouth area. He may be able to give you some advice on getting into social work, he’s done quite a bit I’m sure. His name is Brett Moran and you will find him on youtube, I’m sure if you leave him a message he will reach out to you.