Research: Smokers are 70% more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.

Researchers have found that quitting smoking can improve mental health. Contrary to what smokers think, that "smoke break" to help ease anxiety may be doing more harm than good. New findings indicate that smokers are 70% more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression than non-smokers.  But those who quit have no more problems than those who have never smoked. The study of 6,000 people over 40 found 18.3% of smokers reported suffering depression and anxiety compared with 10% of non-smokers and 11.3% of ex-smokers.

It is the first research of its kind to compare the prevalence of anxiety and depression in smokers, non-smokers, and ex-smokers who have quit for longer than a year. Lead researcher Robert West, professor of health psychology at UCL (University College London), said: “Our study found that long-term ex-smokers have similar prevalence of anxiety and depression to non-smokers and considerably lower levels than smokers.

“Quitting smoking could be the key to improving not only your physical health, but your mental health too.”

The British Heart Foundation released the findings on Tuesday 24th ahead of No Smoking Day on March 11.  BHF associate medical director Dr Mike Knapton said: “There is a belief from many smokers that smoking reduces anxiety and stress, which is in turn causing many smokers to postpone  quitting. 

“Yet, instead of aiding people to relax, smoking increases anxiety and tension. When smokers light up, the feeling of reduced stress or relaxation is temporary and is soon replaced by withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

“While smoking temporarily reduces these cravings and feelings of withdrawal - which are similar to feeling anxious or stressed - it does not reduce or treat the underlying causes of stress.”

Some Fast Facts about smoking and Mental Health

1. 42% of cigarettes are smoked by someone with mental illness

2. Diseases caused by smoking are the second largest killer of people with mental Illness

3. People who start smoking are twice more likely to become more stressed and depressed.

4. Many people who quit smoking find that they feel less stressed but after a while their mood improves.

5. People experiencing mental illness can quit and do safely!