Smokers have a 70 per cent increased risk of anxiety and depression compared with non-smokers, according to new research carried out by leading smoking cessation expert Professor Robert West of UCL. The study, which included nearly 6,500 people over the age of 40, revealed that 18.3 per cent of smokers reported suffering from depression and anxiety compared to 10 per cent of non-smokers and 11.3 per cent of ex-smokers. This is despite the commonly held perception that smoking is a stress reliever. “Our study found that long-term ex-smokers have similar prevalence of anxiety and depression to non-smokers and considerably lower levels than smokers,” said Professor West. “Quitting smoking could be the key to improving not only your physical health, but your mental health too.” The British Heart Foundation is calling on smokers to bust the common myths associated with smoking.