Mental health

22nd November 2018

People experiencing mental illnesses such as bipolar, depression, anxiety etc. are at greater risk of developing chronic health conditions in comparison to the general population. This is also true for those people experiencing drug and alcohol problems. Episodes of physical illness are more frequent and are often more severe in people who are also suffering from a mental health conditions or who have substance misuse issues. People with mental health problems do not always live as long as those without mental health difficulties. Although there are many reasons for this, the higher rates of smoking in these population groups increase the number of people who die prematurely from these particular categories.

People with a mental illness or substance dependency tend to smoke more heavily and be more dependent on nicotine than those without a mental illness. They are just as likely to want to stop smoking but often lack confidence in their ability to quit and historically have not routinely been offered specialist support to quit.

Bexley Stop Smoking Service supports those working with people experiencing mental health problems or substance misuse issues to enable them to offer a smoking cessation treatment programme as part of routine care. For more information on smoking cessation training for mental health and substance misuse health professionals call 0800 783 2514.