This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Stoptober support is available
06/10/2022
There’s a higher number of smokers amongst people with mental health difficulties
We’re now 6 days into October – which for smokers hoping to quit the habit is 6 days into Stoptober.
People in the area who smoke are being encouraged to consider giving Stoptober a try, to see the benefits that quitting could bring to their mental well-being.
Statistics show that there’s a higher number of smokers amongst people with mental health difficulties. To address that Oxfordshire County Council has joined forces with a number of partners to support those who want to give up this month.
Councillor Mark Lygo, said: “This year, we want to dispel some of the myths around mental wellbeing and smoking and help people quit for good.
“Often people will take up smoking in the first place, or be discouraged to quit, based on the myth that smoking can help to relieve stress and relieve mental health difficulties. However, nicotine is a physically addictive substance, so often that relief is simply a result of giving your body more of it – a ‘fix’.
“Once somebody can beat that addiction, most will find that their mental wellbeing improves significantly knowing they are no longer dependent on cigarettes – not to mention the financial and physical health benefits that come along with it.
“We know it can be daunting for individuals with mental health struggles to give quitting a go but there is plenty of support out there to help overcome the barriers, regardless of your situation.”
Rose Hombo, Deputy Director of Quality at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Smoking is a cause of poor mental health across the whole population. Indirectly, through its impact on physical health, income, and employment, and directly, by increasing the risk of some mental health conditions (such as depression and schizophrenia) and through the creation of addiction, which inhibits people’s mental wellbeing.
“In this month of Stoptober, we are putting up a series of meaningful and practical activities to help you as a smoker to start your journey to quit for good. There are lots of benefits to stop smoking and yours can start immediately. There will be a series of activities within all our NHS trust sites – all free to access.”
Nicotine replacement therapy and e-cigarettes are available to help individuals through Stop for Life Oxon, Oxfordshire County Council’s local stop smoking service.
If you want to quit support is available by calling freephone 0800 122 3790, by texting STOPOXON to 6077 or visiting the Stop for Life Oxon website.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam