Quitting smoking & depression

In this article, we will look at some statistics about quit smoking depression but also highlight how you don’t have to worry about those statistics as long as you go about quitting using a proven, makes-it-easy way.

Statistics on Depression After Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking offers significant mental health benefits, including a reduced risk of depression. Statistics show:

1. Improved Mood and Anxiety Levels

Within weeks to months after quitting, many individuals experience reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Mood improvements are often comparable to those seen with antidepressant treatments.

2. Long-Term Benefits

Over time, ex-smokers report better mental health than those who continue to smoke. Studies suggest ex-smokers are less likely to suffer from depression than current smokers.

3. Relapse and Depression

While quitting can initially be challenging and may temporarily worsen depressive symptoms due to nicotine withdrawal, these symptoms typically decrease over time. More importantly, if a smoker uses a method that makes it easy to quit smoking – there is no worsening of depressive symptoms at all.

4. Population Data

Research indicates that the risk of depression decreases by about 25-50% among those who quit smoking compared to those who continue.

Why Is Anxiety and Depression Common After Quitting Smoking?

Anxiety and depression can be common after quitting smoking using willpower alone or quit smoking methods that don’t help change the smoker’s perception of smoking and why they want to quit.

If a smoker feels that they are sacrificing something when they quit and feel that they have to go through a period of suffering and difficulty to get free, and believe that nicotine withdrawal is what causes them problems when they quit it can make them feel miserable and deprived.

Causes of depression after stopping smoking

Using a method that doesn’t tackle the psychological aspects of smoking such as Allen Carr’s Easyway to Quit Smoking and Vaping Live Seminars can have smokers attempting to quit believe that the following issues cause them to feel miserable and depressed.

• Nicotine withdrawal
• Physiological Changes
• Psychological Dependence
• Habitual Behavior
• Cravings
• Brain Chemistry

Understanding why none of the above factors need to bother a smoker who wants to quit is key to them getting free and staying free without any feelings of depression.

Quitting Smoking and Depression — Symptoms

Stopping smoking the hard way, using willpower can produce some awful symptoms that can be avoided by simply changing the way you think about smoking.

• Persistent Sadness: A prolonged feeling of sadness or emptiness.
• Loss of Interest: Reduced interest in activities that were once enjoyable.
• Fatigue: Increased tiredness and a lack of energy.
• Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much.
• Changes in Appetite: Increased or decreased appetite, leading to weight changes.
• Concentration Issues: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
• Feelings of Worthlessness: Excessive guilt, low self-esteem, or feelings of worthlessness.
• Irritability: Increased irritability or frustration, even over small matters.
• Restlessness: Feeling restless or having difficulty sitting still.
• Physical Symptoms: Headaches, stomachaches, or other unexplained physical problems.

Allen Carr’s Easyway, which changes the way you think about smoking and about quitting smoking, enables smokers to quit without any unpleasant feelings or symptoms.

Dealing with Depression after Stopping Smoking

Most people find that quitting smoking is associated with substantial improvements in mental health, including a lower risk of depression. Getting help from a method that makes it easy and painless to quit smoking is key to avoiding depression as a result of quitting smoking.

How to find local mental health services

If you suffer from depression, getting help is essential. One can feel lost and alone, but it is wonderful to know that services are available to help you. Finding local mental health services can be done through several methods:

• Online Search
• Health Insurance Provider
• Community Health Centres
• Referral from Primary Care Physician
• Mental Health Hotlines
• Local Support Groups
• Word of Mouth

Finding the right mental health services often involves researching multiple options and considering factors such as location, specialisation, insurance coverage, and personal preferences.

Find local mental health charities

There are many amazing mental health charities that can help with depression. Here are just national ones but some but a quick google search will provide you details of help available within your locality.

Here are some prominent ones in the UK and USA:

UK

1. Mind

Mind offers information and advice on a wide range of mental health issues, including depression. They provide local support through their network of local Minds, which offer services such as counselling and peer support groups.

2. Samaritans

Samaritans provide confidential emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those related to depression. They offer a 24-hour helpline (116 123) and email support.

3. Rethink Mental Illness

Rethink Mental Illness offers support and information for people affected by mental illness, including depression. They provide advice, advocacy services, and local support groups.

4. SANE

SANE provides emotional support and information to individuals affected by mental health issues, including depression. They offer a helpline (0300 304 7000) and online support services.

5. CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)

CALM offers support to men in the UK who are struggling with mental health issues, including depression. They provide a helpline (0800 58 58 58) and webchat services.

6. YoungMinds

YoungMinds focuses on the mental health of children and young people in the UK. They provide information and support for young people experiencing depression, as well as their parents and caregivers.

7. Anxiety UK

Although primarily focused on anxiety disorders, Anxiety UK also offers support and resources for individuals experiencing depression alongside anxiety. They provide a helpline (03444 775 774) and email support.

These charities offer various forms of support, including helplines, online resources, local support groups, and advocacy services.They can be valuable sources of information and emotional support for individuals struggling with depression in the UK.

USA

Here are some prominent ones:

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

NAMI is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the USA, providing education, advocacy, and support for individuals affected by mental illness, including depression. They offer local support groups, educational programs, and a helpline (1-800-950-NAMI).

2. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)

DBSA provides peer-based support and resources for individuals living with mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. They offer support groups, online resources, and educational materials.

3. Mental Health America (MHA)

MHA is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health and preventing mental illness. They provide resources, screenings, and advocacy efforts focused on depression and other mental health conditions.

4. Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

ADAA is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research. They offer resources, webinars, and support groups.

5. Active Minds:

Active Minds is a nonprofit organization focused on mental health advocacy and education for young adults. They promote open discussion about mental health issues, including depression, on college campuses and in communities across the USA.

6. Crisis Text Line

While not a traditional charity, Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support for individuals in crisis, including those experiencing depression. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

These organizations offer a range of services, including helplines, support groups, educational materials, and advocacy efforts, aimed at supporting individuals affected by depression in the USA.

Further reading:

• Understand the short & long-term effects of quitting smoking
• Natural remedies to help you quit smoking
• How to quit smoking – 10 tips to quit smoking