Contrary to popular opinion - quitting smoking helps to reduce depression, anxiety and stress

Smoking can feel like a stress reliever, and in times of stress, quitting can seem almost impossible. 

However, recent research shows that quitting smoking is actually associated with improvements in mental health. Compared to people who continued to smoke, people who quit smoking reported lower levels of anxiety, depression and stress, and improved psychological quality of life. 

What is even more interesting, is that these improvements in mental health were similar, or even better, than improvements to mood and anxiety disorders when antidepressants have been used... that's powerful stuff! Click here to read some possible interpretations of these findings in The Conversation (if you are not part of The Conversation, we recommend signing up!)

Interested in giving quitting a go? Your clinical psychologist can help. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) sessions will work you through your motivation to quit, stress management techniques to help overcome cravings, and learning alternative ways to think about smoking.

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