People have suspected for years that there was a connection between cigarette smoking and depression. However, New Zealand researchers recently discovered that they have found a causal relationship; in other words, that smoking causes depression.
Using data from 1,000 men and women between the ages of 18 and 25 years old, researchers discovered that smokers were twice as a likely to have depression than nonsmokers. Also, using computer modelling based on that data, they discovered that nicotine addiction leads to increased depression risk.
Related to this, according to Mental Health Foundation, “smoking rates among adults with depression are about twice as high as among adults without depression.”
If you’re a smoker and dealing with a depression, strongly consider quitting smoking to better manage your depression. Keep in mind that quitting smoking when you have depression tends to be more difficult, and withdrawal symptoms can be more severe.
To make it easier and more likely to quit smoking, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has compiled a resource guide for creating a quitting smoking plan. Here are their 8 steps for creating a plan:
- Pick a quitting smoking date
- Let loved ones know that you are quitting smoking
- Remove reminders of smoking
- Identify your reasons to quitting smoking
- Identify your smoking triggers
- Develop coping strategies
- Have places where you can turn for immediate help
- Create rewards for quitting milestones
Be sure to check out the CDC website for more details on each step.
If you want to stop smoking, contact your healthcare provider to see what resources are available in your area.