• health
• My health

Now it's proven: Cigarette smoking can adversely affect mental health

After being warned for years about the health dangers of cigarettes, we have become accustomed to thinking that they are mainly physical diseases - cancer, heart disease, diabetic respiratory diseases and more. But it turns out that cigarettes are also responsible for the mood and depression that some smokers experience, and sometimes also for more serious mental illnesses.

• Smoking rehab

Harela Halevi in ​​collaboration with Pfizer

What is it about that cigarette that makes us think it calms us down? Some people claim that smoking is for them like a kind of "self-care", and that it is one of their ways of dealing with stress. But, this equation is not that simple and the reality is that the relief is only temporary, and it is precisely smoking that creates the feeling of stress.

Dr. Anat Andan, a family medicine specialist at Maccabi Health Services, explains: "Many smokers attribute the ability of cigarettes to alleviate the feelings that arise when they have an urge to smoke to the ability of cigarettes to improve their mood. In practice, however, this relief is related to the relief of withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, stress and anxiety. When people smoke, the brain becomes accustomed to a certain and high amount of nicotine, and if this amount is not maintained, withdrawal symptoms and a strong need to smoke arise to calm these symptoms. In practice, a smoker who feels nervous has quit smoking and thus will provide his body with nicotine that will cause a rapid and high secretion of dopamine. Dopamine is the substance responsible for the enjoyment of the cigarette. In fact, smoking creates a cycle that is difficult to stop: smoking, having fun, the urge to smoke arises again, and so on, so that in the end, smoking can even aggravate nervousness and stress in the long run.

Not just stress

Now, new research shows that cigarette smoking may also increase the risk of more serious mental health problems, such as depression and schizophrenia. According to the researchers, more people living with mental health problems smoke cigarettes, but until recently it was unclear whether mental illness affects the tendency to smoke or whether smoking increases the likelihood of developing mental illness. Researcher Dr. Robin Wootton and colleagues argue that "we have shown that smoking increases the risk of depression and schizophrenia." The researchers concluded that smoking cessation is not only important for physical health but also can improve mental health.

Even in another study published this year, involving over 2000 students, The researchers found that people who smoked cigarettes suffered 2 to 3 times more than clinical depression and their quality of life was impaired, compared to their friends who did not smoke.

light at the end of the tunnel

In the first few days after the last cigarette, withdrawal symptoms appear, which usually decrease within a few weeks. When quitting, anxiety and stress levels drop, and mood and quality of life improve, compared to a situation where you continue to smoke. Dr. Andan explains that “Cigarette addiction brings restlessness and stress to life, so quitting smoking is beneficial for people with and without a psychiatric background. Even people who take antidepressants may undergo detoxification successful. "

In Eagles (Eagles), the largest study done in the area of smoking and included more than 8,000 participants, the researchers found that getting support for quitting smoking is safe and effective - in patients with and without mental disorders.

According to D. Mr. Andan, there are people who take various psychiatric medications who are afraid to start a rehab process for fear of being "out of balance," and indeed the best time to start rehab is when a person is balanced and stable. Given stability, it is important not to give up the possibility of better detoxification, health and quality of life for them as well. "In the end, most people do not die from mental illness, but from diseases such as lung disease, cancer or heart disease that can develop as a result of smoking, just like in people who do not have a mental illness. Contrary to some people's fears, people taking antidepressants can stop smoking and get "Medication is supportive. What is important is to make sure that the rehab process is done under the supervision and support of a medical staff." Explains Dr. Andan.

Smoking cessation is also possible during the corona period

Various evidence shows that quitting smoking can improve mental health, improve mood and help relieve stress, anxiety and depression. Over time, smoking cessation may even prevent symptoms of anxiety and depression, similar to antidepressants.

There are now a number of accepted methods for quitting smoking, what is important is that the quitting program be individually tailored. Dr. Andan argues that, “The withdrawal process is a big change that smokers go through, and as with any change, the beginning can be difficult. After going through the first bumps and practicing, smokers miss a cigarette less and over time many people may become calmer. "

The Corona period also seems to be a window of opportunity to begin the process of quitting. Surprisingly in the last closure of April 2020, Many people have been able to quit smoking. According to Dr. Andan: "Changing the atmosphere and the fact that many habits associated with smoking are no longer possible, like quitting smoking at work, actually help people succeed in the smoking cessation process."

For more information, visit the website: www.pfizer.co.il/nigmalim

Ask your doctor how he can help you deal with the urge to smoke and your withdrawal symptoms, or call the Ministry of Health's smoking cessation center at 6800 *.

Public service. Served under the auspices of Pfizer.

PP-CHM-ISR-0370
August 2020