Smokers 70% More Likely to Suffer with Anxiety and Depression

New study reveals that smokers are around 70% more likely to suffer with anxiety and depression.

Anxiety and depression levels between ex-smokers and non-smokers are indistinguishable. Levels were much lower than current smokers. Ex-smokers are classed as such if they have been non-smokers for over a year. Thus showing that levels can be bought down by quitting.

This study looked at 6,500 people over the age of 40. It found that 18.3% of smokers were suffering with depression and anxiety. This is comparable to the 10% of non-smokers and 11.3% of ex-smokers. So with that sample size this is a significant difference.

This research dispels the common myth that perhaps smoking releases stress. Robert West, lead researcher, 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 stress ‘relief’ experienced when smoking is a temporary feeling and soon goes. It may cause temporary relief, but the underlying cause is not addressed and therefore the feeling of stress and anxiety will return.

There is research published that suggests quitting smoking can be as effective in tackling depression and anxiety as taking antidepressants.

Quitting smoking is something that does require a change in attitude and requires a huge amount of willpower. This can be aided by Hypnotherapy. Here at Chrysalis we can recall numerous times where this has been an effective treatment. Is it something you would like to learn? Become a qualified Hypnotherapist this year with Chrysalis and Let Yourself Grow.