Smokers are being urged to use this No Smoking Day, March 8^th, to stub out stress after research found that people who stopped smoking experienced improvements in anxiety, depression, stress and wellbeing compared with people who continued to smoke.

A national drive by charity ASH Wales and Public Health Wales aims to dispel the myth that smoking effectively deals with stress and encourages smokers to take up free NHS support.

The latest YouGov survey for Wales shows over 50% of smokers, including those with mental health problems, would like to quit. Thousands of smokers across Wales will use No Smoking Day as the start of their quit journey.

According to ASH, smoking does not address the root causes of stress and actually increases anxiety and tension.  This is due to the addictive chemical in tobacco, nicotine, which produces feelings of irritability and stress when a smoker craves a cigarette. These withdrawal symptoms increase feelings of stress in those already experiencing this condition.

Beyond stress, the charity is highlighting research which found that smokers who quit for six weeks or more were happier than those who continued to smoke.

The research was conducted in 2021, and was published within the Cochrane Library, which is often seen as the gold standard for medical research and review.

The study found those who successfully stopped smoking could feel the mental health benefits in as little as six weeks, and that these benefits were felt even years later.

The review found that people who stopped smoking had greater reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms than people who continued to smoke, although the certainty of the evidence varied between outcomes.

This year’s No Smoking Day theme was inspired by the ever-increasing financial burden of smoking and the impact this addiction has on mental health. Suzanne Cass, CEO of ASH Wales, said:

“Smoking is not a lifestyle choice, it is an addiction. The cost of living, increased stress, and poor mental health are all acutely felt by smokers.

“Our work has shown that many turn to smoking to relieve the stresses of modern life, without realising that smoking could be making things worse.

“Many think cigarettes are a good stress reliever, when in fact research shows that smoking is not an effective or safe way of dealing with stress. Today is a chance to address these misconceptions, and to signpost the brilliant NHS help that is available in Wales.”

Fiona Edwards is an NHS Smoking Cessation Practitioner who supports people living with mental health conditions to quit. She said:

“People with mental health conditions are just as motivated as anyone else to quit smoking, but are often scared to leave behind what they view as a crutch for stress.

“Though, every year I see people quit and actually improve their levels of stress in the long-term, while also improving their physical health too.

“Taking charge of your physical and mental health through quitting smoking is really empowering, and I applaud anyone who is taking positive steps towards going smoke-free.”

Liz Newbury-Davies, Principal Public Health Practitioner for Tobacco Control at Public Health Wales said:

“Stopping smoking doesn’t need to be stressful as the free NHS ‘Help Me Quit’ smoking cessation service is on hand to help you go smoke-free.

“Smokers that receive support with our experts have the best chance of quitting for good, and are up to 300% more likely to quit when compared to going it alone.

“Help Me Quit services provide tailored support and free stop smoking medications worth up to £250. Our support is available in a range of options including through the telephone,  face-to-face in community venues, or via local pharmacies and hospitals.”

Join thousands of smokers across Wales this No Smoking Day who are using March 8^th to commit to quitting. Beyond No Smoking Day, support is free in Wales and available all year.

For free support please contact ‘Help Me Quit’ on: helpmequit.wales. Alternatively, the service can be reached by calling 0800 085 2219, or by texting 80818.

Supplement:

HEALTH BENEFITS OF QUITTING

Beyond mental health, what are the psychical benefits of quitting smoking?

8 Hours after quitting

Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in the blood reduce by half and your oxygen levels return to normal.

24 hours after quitting

Carbon monoxide is eliminated from the body; lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.

48 hours after quitting

There is no nicotine left in your body and the ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.

72 hours after quitting

Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax, and your energy levels should start to increase.

2-12 weeks after quitting

Circulation improves. Oxygenated blood is flowing around your body and helping to improve your health.

3-9 months after quitting

Coughs and wheezing reduce, and how well you can breathe increases by up to 10%.

1 year smokefree

Your risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.

10 years smokefree

The risk of getting lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker.

15 years smokefree

Your risk of a heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.

Notes

• Cochrane study into mental health benefits of stopping smoking, found here, here and
• Physical benefits of stopping smoking found here.
• ASH Wales YouGov Survey found here.