Stopping smoking for your mental health
Everyone knows stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your physical health. But quitting smoking is also good for your mental health.
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How quitting benefits your mental health
Studies show that stopping smoking can:
- Reduce anxiety, depression and stress levels
- Improve mood and quality of life
Smokers with mental health problems
According to the NHS in the UK, people with mental health problems, including anxiety, depression or schizophrenia:
- are much more likely to smoke than the general population
- tend to smoke more heavily
- die on average 10 to 20 years earlier than those who don't experience mental health problems – smoking plays a major role in this difference in life expectancy
- need higher doses of some antipsychotic medicines and antidepressants because smoking interferes with the way these medicines work
Stopping smoking can be as effective as antidepressants
People with mental health problems are likely to feel much calmer and more positive, and have a better quality of life, after giving up smoking.
Evidence suggests the beneficial effect of stopping smoking on symptoms of anxiety and depression can equal that of taking antidepressants.