How Smoking Affects Your Mental Health

You most likely have heard that quitting smoking will reduce your risk for lung cancer, emphysema, and other physical ailments. However, you might be surprised to learn about the effects smoking has on your mental health. A recent study found that giving up smoking promotes positive feelings and mental wellbeing. More specifically, the study found a 24% lower risk of developing anxiety and depression, and a 44% reduced risk of developing anxiety alone. These psychological benefits are one main reason to say goodbye to cigarettes. Find out more about how smoking affects your brain, as well as tips for how to quit. 

How Smoking Affects Your Mental Health

Adults with mental disorders are 2 to 4 times more likely to smoke. For some, it may be a way of self-medicating as nicotine can make you feel happier and more relaxed. However, the effects wear off quickly and usually leave you feeling worse than when you started. In fact, while nicotine may temporarily boost dopamine (the happiness hormone) levels, it also causes your brain to produce less of this chemical. Smoking also increases anxiety and tension. Instead of smoking, you should try to find healthier strategies for managing stress, like exercising regularly or partaking in daily relaxation practices.

 

Strategies To Quit Smoking For Your Mental Wellbeing

Giving up tobacco may be more difficult when you are dealing with mental health issues or a stressful lifestyle. You can still succeed with some effort and planning, so below are some strategies to quit smoking: 

1. 1. Consider your history. Adults with depression or similar conditions tend to smoke more cigarettes over a longer period of time than the average user. Your treatment plan will need to take these factors into account.
   
   
2. 2. Treat withdrawal symptoms. Conditions like depression also make you more vulnerable to addiction. Be prepared for symptoms including headaches, nausea, and irritability while you are weaning yourself off nicotine.
   
   
3. 3. Try NRT. On the bright side, Nicotine Replacement Therapy allows you to use devices that rarely interfere with antidepressants and other commonly prescribed drugs. Gum and patches could make your first weeks without cigarettes much more comfortable.
   
   
4. 4. Control food cravings. What about weight gain? Nicotine suppresses appetite, and you may find yourself snacking more as you look for something to do with your empty hands. Keep extra pounds off by drinking water and eating foods rich in fiber that will fill you up with fewer calories.
   
   
5. 5. Consider counseling. While smoking may have given you some relief when you were feeling down or tense, the underlying issues most likely went unresolved. Participating in therapy sessions could help make your life happier and more meaningful for the long term.
   
   
6. 6. Seek support. It may also help to talk with others who share your experiences and goals. Contact your local health department or hospitals to find out more about support groups and other resources in your area.
   
   
7. 7. Plan for relapses. Successful ex-smokers usually make multiple attempts before they quit completely. Give yourself credit for starting the journey and keep experimenting until you find the approach that works for you.

8. 8. Join a smoking cessation program. Joining a smoking cessation program can also help you quit smoking. For instance, the smoking cessation program with Dr Cecilia Ho uses acupuncture sessions to curb smoking cravings.

Giving up cigarettes is one of the most important things you could do for your overall wellbeing! Quitting smoking will help you protect your mind, as well as your heart and lungs. 

If you are looking for natural ways to quit smoking, these strategies can be very beneficial. If you live in the Pickering region and are looking for additional help you can contact Dr. Cecilia Ho to book an appointment! Call 905-492-8688 today to join Dr. Cecilia Ho’s smoking cessation program.