Stop Smoking Support

Anyone ready to quit smoking and are dealing with mental health problems is offered specialist support to quit by NHS Lanarkshire.

NHS Lanarkshire offers a free stop smoking service called Quit Your Way, where residents who smoke can get in touch with friendly, trained advisers for assistance in quitting. Quit Your Way also offers a specialist mental health service for quitting.

The committed mental health stop smoking nurses have specialist knowledge of mental health and offer support and guidance on appropriate nicotine replacement products to support residents to achieve a smoke-free lifestyle. The team also offer a cut down to quit method also, allowing for up to 6 weeks to set a quit date while reducing your smoking on nicotine replacement products .

Some facts about mental health and smoking:

• Stopping smoking can increase the efficacy of some mental health medications. This could mean a reduction in dosage, and less side effects.
• People with a mental health diagnosis who successfully stop smoking report an increase in their mental wellbeing, improved confidence, better lifestyle and improved finances.

Sharon Rankine, mental health nurse specialist, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Stopping smoking is associated with improved mental health and overall wellbeing. Many people with a mental health diagnosis have successfully quit smoking with the help of our specialist service.

“It is often believed that the withdrawal from nicotine has a negative impact on mental health, however, the results are the opposite. Those who have successfully quit, regularly report improved self-esteem and confidence.

“People living with mental health conditions are just as motivated to quit as the rest of the population who smoke and stopping can lead to an improvement in mental health for those with depression, anxiety and stress as well as an overall better quality of life. Quitting smoking is achievable, and our specialist support is available when you’re ready.”

Liam Walker, 47 from Airdrie, who successfully quit smoking after using NHS Lanarkshire’s specialist service, said: “I had help from the Quit Your Way mental health nurses to support me to stop smoking. They gave me help and information which I found really clear, given I have some learning disabilities. I was provided nicotine gum, which was a great support. I have now stopped smoking and I am doing really well.

“My mental health was really bad. It was hard not to think of smoking when I first stopped but the nicotine gum helped with my cravings and my mental health has really improved since I quit. I feel much healthier and I’m saving so much money too.”

NHS Lanarkshire’s Quit Your Way service can be contacted Monday – Friday from 9am until 5pm.

To find out about the stop smoking services and to access the best support to quit in your area call the Quit Your Way helpline service on 0800 84 84 84 or visit QuitYourWay.scot.

You can also visit your local Community Pharmacy for FREE stop smoking support. Find your nearest community pharmacy.