Anxiety, Depression And Stopping Smoking

A misconception by many smokers is that smoking helps them to remain calm

, and alleviates stress symptoms or anxiety. In actual fact, the chemicals in cigarettes are often responsible for sensations of anxiety in the first place, and the addiction is causing a perpetual chicken-egg cycle that smokers are trapped in. Many smokers are afraid to quit, because they think stopping will cause them anxiety, stress or depression. There is a link between people with mental health issues and smoking, just what is the reality?

Smoking Is The Cause Not A Solution

Nicotine addiction causes hypertension which produces feeling of anxiety. As time draws nearer for the next cigarette, the body responds with symptoms of stress and anxiety, signalling that time is approaching for another. Smoking a cigarette temporarily reduces blood pressure, giving a false sensation of calm and satisfaction. However, it is only the nicotine addiction that is satisfied. Meanwhile between cigarettes the natural blood pressure will continue to rise.

A study showing teenagers who smoked heavily (more than one packet a week) were almost 4 times more likely to suffer from depression. Smokers have also been found to be four times as likely to have a panic attack than non-smokers. This is thought to be related to hypertension, as well as associated breathing difficulties associated with smoking.

There is also a higher likelihood of smoking in patients with mental health problems, so it can be difficult to work out the cause of symptoms, as among can worsen the symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as cause them.

Stopping Smoking Advice

The perceived idea that cigarettes are a crutch for anxiety and depression, can make it more difficult to stop. Even if this is not the case. It may help increase your chances of quitting by doing some of the following:

Be aware that anxiety and restlessness are caused by nicotine addiction, and this will disappear as the chemicals leave your body. Smoking increases anxiety symptoms.

Know that in a week, Oxygen is normalized and energy levels will increase making you feel better about yourself, and improving breathing, which will have a relaxing effect.

Try other methods to relax during quitting, such as relaxing baths, breathing exercises, yoga, walking outdoors, herbal teas, meditation massage or alternative therapies.

If you suffer from depression and find symptoms worsen, see your doctor.

Overall the benefits of stopping smoking will greatly improve your mental and physical health, and will reduce risk of future anxiety and stress symptoms.

Copyright (c) 2010 William McKenna

by: William McKenna

POST COMMENT

Vitamin D - Depression and Other Mental Illness Treatment Will Fish Oil Help Anxiety and Depression? Bullycide Is A Direct Consequence Of Depression Avoiding Depression On The Great Depression Dealing with Depression Depression Natural Treatment and Manic-depressive illness How to cure depression and live a happy stress free life Take LEXAPRO, fight depression Use Supplements to fight stress and depression How to Find Confidence: Mike's Story of How He Overcame Anxiety, Depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Buy Wellbutrin for reducing depression How To Cure Depression Naturally