Smoking and mental health
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Benefits of quitting
- Stopping smoking for six weeks or more is linked with improved physical and mental health.
- It also helps improve your quality of life.
- Smoking only temporarily relieves nicotine withdrawal symptoms and the stress this causes.
- Smoking does not relieve any other stress.
- Stopping smoking may cause stress in the short term, but over time most people will feel less stressed.
Download the 'What happens when you stop smoking timeline' brochure
Where to go for help with quitting
- Call Quitline on 13 78 48
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist
- Visit Quit Tasmania
- Visit Smoke Free Generation for younger people
- Download MyQuitBuddy app
- Speak to a smoking cessation nurse if you are in hospital.
Learn more about quitting smoking
For health professionals
- People with severe mental illness are likely to die earlier due to smoking related illness.
- Around 1 in 3 Tasmanians who smoke have a mental health disorder.
- Tasmanians with a mental health disorder are almost 2 times more likely to smoke.
Download the smoking and mental illness snapshot
Why you should talk about smoking
- Smoking increases the risk of anxiety and depression.
- It is also associated with an increased risk of psychosis and suicide.
- Stopping smoking for six weeks or more is linked with improved physical and mental health.
- It also helps improve your quality of life.
- Smoking only temporarily relieves nicotine withdrawal symptoms and the stress this causes.
- Smoking does not relieve any other stress.
- Stopping smoking may cause stress in the short term, but over time most people will feel less stressed.
Download the 'Why Should I Talk About Smoking?' brochure
How you can talk about smoking
A = Ask
Ask all people if they smoke. Asking gives a person the opportunity to discuss their smoking.
B = Brief Advice
Give clear advice on the benefits of being smoke free. Personalise your advice to that person.
C = Cessation Support
Offer support, even if a person is not ready to quit. Recommend nicotine replacement therapy and refer to the Quitline.
People with mental illness who smoke can quit by using nicotine replacement therapy and receiving counselling.
Download the ‘How do I talk about smoking?’ brochure
Other resources
Brochures and factsheets
Posters
Videos
Let's start a conversation (campaign video)
Starting a conversation
So I have started a conversation, what's next?
Stopping smoking saves money
Jason's story
Sharon's story
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