It’s time to talk about smoking and men’s mental health

Stopping smoking for good is easier with support.

People with mental health conditions are up to four times more likely to smoke. Smoking can trap you in a cycle of dependence and as a result, it can prevent you from feeling present in your daily life.

It’s time to talk about smoking and men’s mental health

• 12.5% of men in England have a mental health condition
• Men are more likely to use unhealthy coping mechanisms such as smoking when experiencing low mood
• Men in routine and manual occupations in South Yorkshire are more likely to smoke

Smokers may think that smoking provides relief from stress, anxiety, low mood and depression but the opposite is true. Stopping smoking can help you improve your mental health and feel more present in your life.

Here is how smoking can trap you in a cycle of dependence:

• In the short term, smoking can offer a temporary sense of relief from stress and anxiety
• This soon gives way to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms
• The craving for a cigarette can cause feelings of irritability and anxiety
• Over the long term, smoking doesn’t get rid of stress, anxiety and low mood

Stopping smoking might be easier than you think. Even if you have tried to stop smoking before, you are just as likely to succeed as anyone else. You are three times more likely to stop smoking for good if you seek help from a support service.

Smokefree Starts are here to help you stop smoking. We know that if you get support from a stop smoking support service, you are three times more likely to stop for good.

If you have a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health condition, there’s a few things to know if you are considering stopping smoking:

• Stopping smoking can be as effective as antidepressants in reducing depression, anxiety and stress
• There is free local support available to help you quit smoking in a way that works for you
• You should speak to your prescriber before and during attempting to stop smoking so your medication can be monitored and adjusted as needed. This is because the tar in tobacco smoke (not nicotine) alters the metabolism of some medicines for physical and mental health conditions.