Smoking and mental health

Mind comments on a study, released ahead of No Smoking Day, which suggests that smokers are around 70% more likely to experience depression and anxiety than ex-smokers and non-smokers.

Sophie Corlett, Director of External Relations at the mental health charity Mind said: “Nearly half of all cigarettes sold in England every year are smoked by people with mental health problems, so we welcome any research that raises awareness of the damaging impact that smoking can have on mental as well as physical health.

“People with mental health problems tell us they often smoke to cope when they are feeling unwell, however, struggle to take steps to stop smoking and find that services that help people to quit do not meet their needs. A high proportion of people with mental health problems die earlier due to smoking-related diseases, so it’s vital that existing cessation programmes are adapted to take mental health into account.”

For more information visit the No Smoking Day website.