Mental Health & Smoking (PAGB)

The current picture of smoking among those living with mental health conditions:

  • The incidence of smoking among those living with mental illness is nearly double that of the general population, and is nearly triple in those with severe mental health conditions (such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder)1.
  • Those with severe mental illness have a life expectancy 10-20 years less than the general population1. Smoking is a common risk factor among these individuals, also being one of the causes of cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer2.

 

Quitting smoking is beneficial for both physical and mental health:

  • From 72 hours after quitting smoking, the respiratory function of a smoker may start to improve, which can help to increase their capacity for physical activity3.
  • Longer term, quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing COPD, respiratory infections and can improve treatment outcomes in asthmatic and established COPD patients4.
  • The risk of diseases including coronary heart disease and stroke begins to decrease after only one to two years of quitting smoking, and can approach that of a non-smoker following 10-15 years of sustained abstinence3,4.
  • Studies have highlighted a potential link between quitting smoking and a reduction in levels of depression, anxiety and stress5.

Learn more about the myths surrounding mental health and smoking as well as how to guide conversations with customers who are looking to quit.

Click here to download our useful guide.

 

Very Brief Advice (VBA)

VBA can help support your patients in their quit journey. The ‘Ask, Advise, Act’ framework can be used in short or long consultations. It is therefore well suited to both planned discussions and opportunistic conversations.

 

Learn more about how to give advice on quitting smoking.

Click here to download our guide.

 

Benefits of Quitting Smoking & Patient Resources

Smokers are three times more likely to quit with your support*1, and stopping smoking can also have a positive impact on their physical and mental health.

*vs unaided.

They may benefit from the following:

 

Help your patients learn more about the effects of smoking and the support available.

 

Click here to download our factsheet.

 

Patients may also benefit from the 12-week ‘My Support Guide’ to help them quit smoking.

Click here to download the 'My Support Guide'.

 

References:

  1. NCSCT. Stop smoking services: increased chances of quitting. Available at: https://www.ncsct.co.uk/usr/pub/Stop%20smoking%20services%20effectiveness.pdf Accessed: December 2022.