14 DAY TRIAL // Specialists writing in a recent issue of the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research say that, according to evidence at hand, a person's mental health influences their smoking behavior to a considerable extent.
More precisely, it appears that, when compared to folks who are not experiencing any major mental health issues, those who are depressed tend to light up about twice as often. Besides, they have a harder time kicking the habit.
In the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research, scientists with Concordia University in Canada and colleagues argue that depressed individuals probably have trouble quitting smoking because they are not mentally prepared to go through such an experience.
Simply put, the fact that they are suffering from depression makes it more difficult for them to cope with the anxiety, the cravings, and the lack of sleep that are usually brought about by attempts to swear off cigarettes. Hence, they more easily return to their old habits.
“The findings revealed that those who struggle with mental illness simply have a tougher time quitting, no matter how much they want to,” explain the researchers behind this investigation into how mental health affects smoking behavior.
“The anxiety, cravings or lack of sleep that accompany typical attempts to quit cold turkey will have them scrambling for the smokes they might have sworn off earlier that evening. A person without clinical depression is better equipped to ride things out,” they add.
The good news is that it might be possible to help depressed individuals quit smoking simply by encouraging them to exercise on a regular basis. Thus, it appears that something as simple as going for a walk can reduce the compulsion to light up.
In their paper, the Concordia University specialists and fellow researchers explain that, although embracing a more active lifestyle is unlikely to alleviate depression symptoms, there is evidence to suggest that such a change can help people give up smoking by alleviating withdrawal symptoms.
“Our hope is that this study will continue to sensitize researchers and clinicians on the promising role of exercise in the treatment of both depression and smoking cessation,” says study first author Paquito Bernard with France's University of Montpellier.
“We still need stronger evidence to convince policymakers. Unfortunately there is still skepticism about exercise compared to pharmacological strategies. But if we continue to conduct ambitious trials, using high-standard methodology, we will get to know which interventions are the most effective of all,” adds specialist Grégory Moullec.