Smoking and mental health

Frequently asked Q's

• How does my mental health affect my smoking habits?

  If you have a mental health condition, you might be more likely to start smoking. Stopping smoking can also feel harder, but many people with mental health conditions have quit.

  Some people believe smoking helps their mental health, but it can actually make things worse. 

  If you have a mental health condition, you might smoke more. This may result in stronger withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop.

  Things like boredom, being unable to attend meetings, or smoking being common in some groups, can also make quitting harder. 

  You can learn more about how your mental health can impact your smoking habits.

• What are the benefits of stopping smoking for my physical health?

  There is no getting away from the fact that smoking is bad for your health. If you use cannabis, you may still use tobacco to smoke it, even if you do not smoke cigarettes. This tobacco is also harmful for your health.

  What if someone said that if you stopped you could feel healthier? Would you try? It could be a way to see if they are right. You have nothing to lose by trying. 

  If you stop smoking, your health will start to improve within a few hours. Over time, you are likely to cough less and breathe more easily. You may be able to climb the stairs faster or notice you have more energy.

  Stopping smoking can help you live longer. It lowers your risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung conditions.

  You might experience some side effects when you first stop smoking, you might have increased appetite and weight gain. You might be constipated, get mouth ulcers or a cough.vi You should speak to your GP if you are concerned about any side effects. 

  It is important to remember the benefits of stopping do not happen overnight, and it might take a few weeks. Pay close attention to how you feel when you are not smoking, and you will hopefully see some positive changes.  

• What are the benefits of stopping smoking for my mental health?

  Smoking may make you feel like you are more relaxed, but it interferes with certain chemicals in the brain. They can make you more irritable and anxious when you crave another cigarette.

  Smoking a cigarette can temporarily relieve these feelings. Many people believe this means smoking improves mood. But it is likely that smoking caused the negative feelings to begin with.

  In the first few weeks after stopping smoking, you could feel more irritable, find it hard to concentrate or feel restless.

  But studies have shown that you are not likely to experience a worsening in your mood long‐term. You may experience improvements, such as less anxiety and depression symptoms.

• Are there any other benefits to stopping smoking?

  Quitting smoking has lots of social benefits. You may feel healthier and enjoy more time with people you care about. It also protects loved ones from second hand smoke. If you have children, they are less likely to start smoking if you quit.

  Stopping smoking can also help your appearance. It can slow down skin ageing and protect your teeth from damage. Your smile may look brighter and healthier.

  You will also save money. The NHS say that most smokers save around £2,500 a year — that’s about £49 every week.

  Quitting helps the planet too. Cigarette production uses lots of water, energy and trees. Cigarette butts are the most littered item in the UK. By quitting, you are helping nature and keeping your community clean.

   

• What about smoking and medication?

  If you take medication for your mental health, smoking can lower the amount of it in your blood. It is important to talk to your doctor before you stop smoking. They can check if your medication needs to be changed or monitored.

• Are e-cigarettes and vapes harmful?

  E-cigarettes are another way to use nicotine and might help you quit smoking. There is a lot of different information about how safe they are. NHS England says you should use your e-cigarette as much as you need to quit tobacco. 

  They have fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes, but they are not completely risk-free. They still contain nicotine, which is the addictive part of smoking.

  You might feel sick, get headaches or have a sore throat when you first start. 
  These side effects usually get better over time and are thought to be less harmful than cigarettes. Vapes do not seem to harm people around you, like cigarette smoke does.

  They are still quite new, so we do not know all the long-term effects yet.

  If you buy from trusted shops, they must follow UK safety rules. 

  You can read more about vaping myths and facts. 

• Are there any medications to help to stop smoking?

  Yes, there are 3 main types of medication that are used in England to help you to stop smoking. These are called Varenicline, Cytisine, and Bupropion.

  You must speak to your doctor before starting these medications, because: 

  • They might make your mental health worse, or  
  • They may interact with other medications that you take.  

  Your doctor should assess whether the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks for you. 

• How can I get help to stop smoking?

  For help with stopping to smoke you could: 

  • Go to see your GP, who could prescribe nicotine replacement patches, gum, or medication.  
  • Some pharmacists can also prescribe medications and provide personal quit smoking plans. 
  • Use the tips on the Mental Health UK smoking and mental health page. 
  • Call the free National Smokefree helpline. See Useful contacts below for contact details. 
  • Get your free NHS personal quit smoking plan. 
  • Join an NHS stop smoking service locally that can offer one-to-one support or regular groups.
  • You can search for most services on this NHS website
  • You can contact NHS Smokefree to find your nearest service. Find their details in the Useful contacts section below. 

• Useful contacts

  National Smokefree Helpline 
  Call free to speak to a trained advisor for advice and support. 

  Phone: 0300 123 1044  
  Webpage: www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/nhs-stop-smoking-services-help-you-quit 

   

  NHS Better Health 
  Take steps NOW to stop smoking.  

  Website: www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/take-steps-now-to-stop-smoking
  Free quit smoking plan: www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/personal-quit-plan

   

  Cancer Research UK  
  They have information from people that have stopped smoking in the past. 

  Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org/advice-from-people-who-have-stopped-smoking