Quitting Smoking Is Good For Mental Health

According to the instructions on every cigarette packaging, smoking is an activity that is harmful to health. Smoking is not only about the habit but also the mindset related to smoking. Advertisers create an impression where the image they build is about "Self-Freedom" and "Daring to Take Risks".

The perception of smokers is that smoking is as follows:

• Smoking is COOL
• Smoking RELIEVES STRESS
• Smoking shows SELF-CONFIDENCE and FREEDOM

If Hermina's friends knew the real facts about smoking:

• Smoking is cool, but the fact is that when you get sick from smoking, you look more pathetic than cool. Your body is no longer as strong as before you started smoking.
• Smoking relieves stress, but the fact is that the problems you face will not disappear because of smoking. Will your debts disappear because of smoking? Your lost lover will come back because of smoking? The effects of nicotine are only temporary, after which anxiety will resurface.
• Smoking boosts confidence, but in reality, your empathy and care for others diminish. Smokers ignore the fact that their smoking behavior actually endangers the people around them, their partners, families, and even their children.

Where to start to quit smoking?

1. Building a Strong Intention
For example:

I want to quit smoking, so the money can be used to pay off my debts or buy a motorcycle or make a down payment on a house.

2. Avoid the Behavior, Not the Person
The behavior of smoking can arise due to social influence; you can start distancing yourself when your social circle encourages smoking. Know the time and place. You can still be friends even if you no longer smoke together.

3. Tell Your Loved Ones
Build support from family and loved ones to help you quit smoking. Family support will provide you with positive encouragement.

4. Consult a Doctor or Psychologist
Smoking behavior in certain conditions requires special handling, both from the medical intervention side and psychotherapy such as hypnotherapy and behavioral therapy.

For Hermina Friends, or if there are family members of Hermina Friends who want their loved ones to quit smoking, they can directly consult with a Psychologist at RSU Hermina Samarinda. Consultation schedules can be searched on the website www.herminahospitals.com. Healthy Together with Hermina

Source:
Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia accessed in 2024
Tribun News accessed in 2024

Reviewed by: Ms. Mustika Rizki Imanita, M.Psi, Psychologist