Smoking doesn’t just harm lungs, heart or immune system, it also affects mental health and overall quality of life. Quitting, on the other hand, is increasingly shown to bring beneficial effects on mood, stress, anxiety, and self-perception.
A 2023 study published in the JAMA Network, found that people who quit smoking had lower risk of being diagnosed with depression or anxiety compared to those who continued smoking. This suggests quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing depression or anxiety compared to continuing smokers, indicating mental‑health benefits accrue after cessation.
Quitting smoking is far more than a symbolic decision — it is a powerful act of self-care that sets the body on a path to recovery. From the heart and blood vessels to the lungs, immune system, and even mental health, the benefits of cessation accumulate over time.
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