Many people who smoke originally start their habit to deal with symptoms of a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression. After weeks and months go by, they become addicted. They realize that the momentary effects of smoking a cigarette are outweighed by the symptoms of nicotine addiction. It’s a very common experience. Smoking is two to three times more prevalent among people with mental health conditions compared to the general population. It’s even more common among those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders. People with these conditions smoke at nearly five times the rate of the general population.

Higher rates of smoking come with worse health outcomes, including higher rates of chronic illness and premature death. There is hope that people with mental health conditions can quit smoking to help alleviate their symptoms and enjoy better moods. Keep reading to learn about the link between smoking and mental health and find out how to get help quitting.

What’s the link between smoking tobacco and mental health conditions?

Smoking often starts as a coping mechanism. It can temporarily mask symptoms such as poor concentration, low mood and stress. However, nicotine withdrawal quickly increases those symptoms until they’re worse than they were originally. The person then smokes more and more frequently, which leads to negative consequences for their physical and mental well-being. 

Poverty, mental health conditions, lower education levels and unemployment are associated with high rates of both smoking and chronic illness. Smokers in marginalized groups are heavier smokers than those who aren’t. They’re also less likely to try quitting and less likely to succeed, which is why their risk of chronic illness is so high.

The tobacco industry has used multiple strategies to market tobacco products to people with mental health conditions, including the following: 

• Funding research to promote the myth that people with mental health conditions have a harder time quitting tobacco
• Donating or providing low-cost cigarettes to mental health facilities
• Donating to organizations that work with people who have mental health conditions and building relationships with them
• Weakening efforts to promote smoke-free policies in mental health facilities, arguing that they’re “inhumane”
• Targeting people with mental health conditions in their marketing campaigns

How does smoking affect people with mental health conditions?

Nicotine withdrawal can begin as little as four hours after smoking a cigarette. Symptoms peak at about three days, and they can continue for up to three or four weeks. People may feel more tense and stressed, and withdrawal can worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Nicotine can also interact with certain psychiatric medications and make them less effective. This is often due to nicotine’s influence on liver enzymes that metabolize these medications. People with severe mental health conditions smoke at higher rates, and those who do also experience more severe symptoms. 

How can quitting smoking help improve my mental health?

After a period of withdrawal, smoking cessation leads to overall improvements in mental and physical health. You’ll enjoy better moods, and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress will decrease. You’ll be less likely to suffer from cold symptoms and aches and pains. You may also enjoy higher-quality sleep. 

How can I get help with smoking cessation?

There are plenty of free resources available to people who want to quit smoking. Start by checking out smokefree.gov and the American Lung Association website. Your primary care doctor may also have some helpful information. 

Seeking mental health treatment is another way to find support so you can quit smoking more successfully. Smokers who receive mental health treatment quit at higher rates than those who don’t. An outpatient therapist can help you find effective ways to deal with cravings and manage feelings that come up while you’re trying to quit. If you have a mental health condition that’s affecting your ability to function, you may need a higher level of treatment. Your insurance plan may cover more comprehensive outpatient treatment programs.

At Lightfully, we help people with mental health challenges that get in the way of their daily lives. Rather than working to minimize symptoms, we take a whole-person-centered approach. Our Precision Care Model (PCM) ensures that each of our clients develops life processes that serve as positive protective factors. We create a highly personalized treatment plan for each person that takes their identity, their lifestyle and their goals into account.

Quitting smoking is a big step you can take to improve your mental health and your overall quality of life. You don’t have to do it alone. Contact us for help with seeking the appropriate level of treatment.