Smokers at increased risk of anxiety and depression

CONTRARY to popular belief, smoking does not relieve stress and anxiety - it does the opposite.

Smoker. Smoking. Cigarette. Woman. Female. Generic image. thinkstock.

NEW research has shown that contrary to popular belief, smoking does not relieve stress, it actually does the opposite.

The British Heart Foundation has released new research that shows smokers have a 70 per cent increased risk of anxiety and depression when compared with non-smokers.

The foundation found, in a study of 6,500 people aged over 40, that more than 18 per cent of smokers reported suffering depression and anxiety compared to 10 per cent of non-smokers and about 11 per cent of ex-smokers.

Smokers have increased risk of mental health issues according to a new study.

The study sheds light on the effects of smoking on mental health and the mental benefits of giving up the habit. It also helps to debunk the myth that smoking is ‘relaxing’.

The foundation’s Associate Medical Director Dr Mike Knapton echoed these points.

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“Instead of aiding people to relax, smoking increases anxiety and tension,” he said.

“When smokers light up, the feeling of reduced stress or relaxation is temporary and is soon replaced by withdrawal symptoms and cravings.”

The results of the study were released ahead of No Smoking Day on March 11, the UK’s annual awareness day aimed at helping smokers to quit.