Smokers urged to quit for No Smoking Day

North West smokers urged to quit for No Smoking Day and help improve mental health

Tobacco Free Futures is urging the North West’s 1.2 million smokers to put myths aside and start their quit journey this No Smoking Day.

New research released ahead of the British Heart Foundation’s No Smoking Day (11 March) showed that smokers have a 70% increased risk of anxiety and depression when compared with non-smokers, despite the commonly held perception that lighting up is a stress reliever.

Levels of anxiety and depression reported by long-term ex-smokers were indistinguishable from people who have never smoked and much lower than current smokers. This suggests that quitting smoking could help people combat anxiety and depression and improve mental health. This counters the perception of more than a third (36%) of UK smokers who believe the habit is a stress buster.

Andrea Crossfield, Chief Executive of Tobacco Free Futures, a social enterprise which tackles tobacco harm in the North West said: “I would encourage anyone in the North West who smokes to quit this No Smoking Day. Today could be the beginning of a happier and healthier smokefree life.

“There are still 1.2 million smokers across the North West, resulting in approximately 30 deaths from smoking related illnesses per day in our region alone. This is something that needs to change and I hope this new research will highlight the hidden harms of tobacco addiction and dispel any misconceptions of it being a stress reliever.

“I would recommend everyone taking part contacts their local stop smoking service for free, expert advice and access to stop smoking medicines on prescription. Research shows you are four times more likely to quit with the help of an NHS advisor and they are always there to help.”

Professor Robert West, Professor of Health Psychology at UCL and lead researcher, said: “Our study found that long-term ex-smokers have similar prevalence of anxiety and depression to non-smokers and considerably lower levels than smokers. Quitting smoking could be the key to improving not only your physical health, but your mental health too.”

This No Smoking Day, the British Heart Foundation and Tobacco Free Futures are calling on smokers to bust the common myths associated with smoking and commit to quitting on 11 March. The charity expects nearly one million smokers to attempt to quit on the day.

To receive information and support on stopping smoking contact your local stop smoking service or visit nosmokingday.org.uk.