smoking and mental health

There are a lot of theories related to smoking and your mental health, and it has created a stigma for those who want to quit smoking, but are worried about how it will affect, and maybe even worsen, their depression, anxiety, and/or other mental health disorders. Below, we have debunked some myths about quitting smoking for anyone who is experiencing a mental illness.
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1. Myth: Quitting smoking will make my mental health symptoms worse.
   
   TRUTH: People with different types of mental illness say that quitting smoking actually made them feel better. Research shows this is true, too.
   
   As you are quitting, you might feel irritable or restless or find it hard to concentrate. You might also have trouble sleeping or feel hungry. Some people feel anxious and depressed. Don't worry! In most cases, these are symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, and not your mental health condition getting worse. These feelings usually go away in a few days. Once withdrawal goes away, quitting smoking can make you feel better than smoking a cigarette ever could.
   
   
2. Myth: Smokers with mental health conditions don't want to stop smoking.
   
   TRUTH: This myth can be common among healthcare providers. But the reality is that smokers with mental health conditions want to quit as much as any other group of smokers. Most have tried to quit in the past, and more than half are thinking about quitting within six months. Be sure to tell your doctor that you want to quit and want help.
   
   
3. Myth: Smokers with mental health conditions can't quit smoking.
   
   TRUTH: Many people with mental health conditions have other life challenges that can make it harder to quit. Being around other people who smoke, feeling lonely, and being worried about money are common. But, even with these other challenges, you can quit! The key is getting support, making a quit plan, and using quitting medication.
   
   
4. Myth: Quit smoking treatments don’t work for people with mental illness.
   
   TRUTH: Quit smoking treatments work just as well for people with mental illness as they do for people without mental illness. However, you may need some extra help to be successful; for example, you may need more support and longer treatment, or you may need to stay on cessation medication for a longer period of time to help your brain and body adjust to being tobacco free. Also, quitting smoking can change the way some medications work. Be sure to tell your doctor when you quit smoking. You may need to make changes to your mental health medicines.

For FREE resources on how to construct a quit plan, gain access to medical assisted treatment, or any type of clinical support, visit quitnowindiana.com or call 1-800-QUITNOW.

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