Quitting Smoking Linked to Improved Mental Wellbeing, New Campaign Shows

New data reveals a significant increase in residents seeking aid to quit smoking, spurred by a campaign highlighting the positive impact of cessation on mental health. Almost 3,000 local residents have set quit dates or begun quit attempts in the last three months, according to an independent evaluation of the South East Smokefree Alliance (SESA) “Quit Smoking, Feel Happier” campaign.

Campaign Focuses on Brain Science

The “Quit Smoking, Feel Happier” campaign, which ran from Boxing Day to February 8th across the South East, emphasized how smoking disrupts dopamine levels in the brain, contributing to stress. It demonstrated that quitting allows the brain to rebalance within weeks, potentially alleviating stress and improving mood. West Sussex County Council is one of 18 councils within SESA.

Surge in Demand for Support

The number of people requesting assistance from Smokefree services more than doubled year-on-year from October to December, indicating a growing desire among residents to break free from nicotine addiction. In Brighton & Hove, the results have been described as “incredibly encouraging,” coinciding with National No Smoking Day on March 11th.

Positive Impact on Wellbeing

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, stated, “Seeing almost 3,000 residents take steps towards quitting is really encouraging and shows what can be achieved when evidence-based public health messages are communicated in an accessible way.” She further emphasized that quitting smoking improves mental wellbeing, reduces stress and contributes to a happier and healthier lifestyle.

Regional Impact and Future Goals

Across the South East, an estimated 168,000 smokers were expected to attempt to quit, set a quit date, or seek support after being exposed to the campaign. The South East Smokefree Alliance (SESA) aims to make the region smokefree by 2030.

Understanding the Science Behind Smoking and Stress

Dr. Sarah Milne, Lead of the South East Smokefree Alliance, explained that although many smokers believe their habit relieves stress, the opposite is true. Smoking dysregulates dopamine receptors and actually promotes stress, impacting the brain’s natural production of happy hormones and creating a negative cycle. The campaign’s message about alleviating stress and increasing happiness through quitting resonated strongly with the public, providing a “lightbulb moment” for many.

Health Benefits of Quitting

Quitting smoking reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illness, significantly improving a person’s quality of life within weeks. Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable illness and early death.

Resources for Quitting

Individuals seeking to quit can access free local support and view the campaign films on the SESA’s Quit Together Live Better website. Support options include group and individual counseling, motivational text messages, and quit smoking apps, alongside Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) aids and prescribed medications.