Quitting smoking doesn’t have to be stressful

Everyone knows smoking is a major threat to physical health. But what about its impact on your mental well-being? Many smokers believe cigarettes offer a crutch for stress, anxiety, and low mood. This Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s debunk that myth and explore the surprising benefits of quitting for your mental health.

The Vicious Cycle of Smoking and Mental Health

What smokers perceive as relief from anxiety and stress is actually a deceptive cycle – the tobacco withdrawal cycle. Smoking disrupts brain chemistry. When a smoker goes without a cigarette, cravings lead to irritability and anxiety. These feelings are then temporarily relieved by the next cigarette, only for the cycle to repeat. It’s a trap, not a solution.

Quitting Smoking: A Path to Mental Wellness

Fortunately, breaking free from this cycle offers significant mental health benefits. A 2021 Cochrane review confirms this. The gold standard review examined the impact of quitting smoking on mental health after the withdrawal stage and found that compared to continuing smokers, those who quit experienced:

• Reduced Anxiety: Lower anxiety levels were observed in over 3,000 participants across 15 studies.
• Reduced Depression: Over 7,000 participants in 34 studies showed significant reductions in depression symptoms.
• Improved Overall Well-being: Studies reported positive changes in mood, stress levels, and overall mental well-being in those who quit. These benefits were seen across all groups, including individuals with existing mental health conditions.

The Good News Keeps Getting Better

The positive effects of quitting start appearing within six weeks and can last for years. Notably, reductions in anxiety and depression can be as significant as those experienced with antidepressant medication.

It’s Time to Breathe Easier, Mentally and Physically

We understand that quitting can seem daunting.  But the rewards are immense! There’s a wealth of evidence-based support available to help you through the process.

Advisers are trained to deliver advice, support and encouragement that can improve your chances of quitting. 

They can tell you about nicotine replacement products and other stop smoking medicines. They can also recommend which product or combination of products could work for you.

They can support you if you want to use your own e-cigarette, also called a vape, to help you quit too.

Need a little extra motivation? Your adviser can measure the level of carbon monoxide in your body (the CO level) using a carbon monoxide monitor. The monitor shows how your CO level drops to the same level as a non-smoker’s just 48 hours after your last cigarette.

Let’s debunk the myth once and for all

Smoking does not alleviate stress or improve mental health. In fact, it does the opposite. By starting your stopping smoking journey, you’re taking control of your mental health too.

Local Stop Smoking Services in Humber and North Yorkshire

East Riding

Tel: 0330 236 9102

Hull

Tel: 01482 977617

North East Lincolnshire

Tel: 01472 325500

North Lincolnshire

Tel: 01724 298212

North Yorkshire

Tel: 01609 797272

York

Tel: 01904 553377