Smoking not only brings damage to the person’s physical health but is also detrimental to one’s mental health.
In line with the Mental Health Awareness month, HealthJustice Philippines, a non-government organization, urged smokers to quit to protect their mental health. HealthJustice is also campaigning for young people to shun and reject smoking, to increase their health and well-being.
Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, a trustee of HealthJustice, said that once smokers stop their bad habit, this reduces the levels of stress, anxiety and depression. According to Dr. Galvez Tan, research has shown that smoking increases anxiety and tension.
He added that as compared to non-smokers, those who smoke may actually be possible candidates for mental health conditions.
“These health conditions are psychosis, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders,” he said.
Mental health or substance use disorder
Meanwhile, the US CDC said that nearly 25 percent of adults in the United States have a mental health or substance use disorder (i.e., behavioral health condition), and these adults consume almost 40 percent of all cigarettes smoked by adults in the United States.
It added that people with behavioral health conditions die about five years earlier than people without such conditions, more than 50 percent from tobacco-attributable diseases.
Likewise, smoking is much more common among adults with mental health conditions than in the general population.
In fact, in 2019, 27.2 percent of U.S. adults with any mental illness reported smoking cigarettes during the past month compared to 15.8 percent of adults with no mental illness.
Approximately one in four (or 25 percent) of adults in the U.S. have some form of mental illness or substance use disorder, and these adults consume almost 40 percent of all cigarettes smoked by adults.
Concern for all
For its part, the DOH said, mental health and well-being is a concern of all.
Addressing concerns related to mental health, the DOH said, Neurological and Substance use (MNS) contributes to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A World Health Organization study says up to 60 percent of people attending primary care clinics daily in the country are estimated to have one or more MNS disorders.
The 2000 Census of Population and Housing showed that mental illness and mental retardation rank 3rd and 4th respectively among the types of disabilities in the Philippines (88/100,000 ).
Quit smoking
To achieve good mental health, Dr. Galvez-Tan said it would be better to quit smoking and practice natural methods to fight stress to feel better.
After quitting, he added that it is important to “try to have a positive outlook, exercise, have a strong relationship with your family and the people around you, get enough sleep, take time to relax and slow things down if you feel pressured.”
“The best thing to do for your mental health is really to quit smoking,” Dr. Galvez Tan said.
“Relax, pray and slow things down,” Dr. Galvez Tan also recommended.