News Release, 11 June 2007
Most people are aware that cigarettes are physically harmful. But anyone planning to quit smoking needs to think of what it’s doing to their mind as well. According to a new booklet from the Mental Health Foundation, Smoking and Mental Health, the act of smoking actually lessens the ability of the brain to produce dopamine – a chemical vital for our sense of well being, meaning smokers could be smoking themselves unhappy.
The booklet, published today reveals all the other tricks the mind plays on you to keep you smoking, and also what you need to know in order to quit. Chief Executive of the charity, Dr Andrew McCulloch said:
“People often smoke to deal with stress and anxiety. This applies as much to a busy mother as it does a worn-out office worker – both are smoking to deal with stress in their lives, in the belief that it will relieve the anxiety that they’re feeling.”
In the long term smoking will do nothing to ease their state of mind, and even in the short-term the lessening in anxiety is an illusion – smoking reduces nicotine withdrawal symptoms, but does nothing to reduce stress or deal with its underlying causes.”
The free leaflet also includes advice on how to quit, which might include finding other ways to cope with stress such as exercise, gaining support from friends and family, therapy or medication.
Ends
Notes to editors:
For free copies of our booklet 'Smoking and mental health: Why people smoke and how to quit' either visit our website or contact the numbers below.
The Mental Health Foundation also releases 'Taking a deep breath - The mental health implications of anti-smoking legislation' on 18th June. You will be able to download this from the website or by contacting the numbers below.
For more information please contact Simon Loveland or Naomi Goodman on 020 7803 1130 / 1126 or Email Simon or Naomi.
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
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