Barwon Health is encouraging smokers to “Give Smoking Away this May”, in recognition of World No Smoking Day on 31 May.
Community health nurse Sarah Carter runs Barwon Health’s Be Smokefree clinic and said it was important for people to be kind to themselves during their journey to quit smoking.
“Regardless of where you are and how you are getting there, quitting smoking is really hard,” she said.
“It’s important for family and friends to be supportive and understanding throughout the journey.
“This May, we’re encouraging people to be kinder to our bodies by trying to quit, kinder in our workplaces by creating supportive environments, and kinder to ourselves to make the start each individual is ready for.”
Sarah said while many people attempt to go “cold turkey”, there is evidence that it is more common for people to take multiple attempts to succeed in quitting.
“Nicotine is a powerful, addictive drug, and the cravings when a smoker is going through withdrawal can be hard to manage,” she said.
“It is important that we do not see a single cigarette, or even giving up their attempt to quit, as a failure. Trying is part of their journey and we can all help.”
Smoking is often incorrectly associated with stress.
“We need to debunk the myth that smoking alleviates anxiety and helps you to relax when actually it contributes to increasing anxiety, particularly as you try to quit," Sarah said.
“Fortunately, nicotine replacement therapy can help you through this.”
Learn more about Barwon Health's Be Smokfree clinics.
Start your Quit journey today.
