Is Mental Health a Predictor of Smoking or Vaping?

Have you ever thought about what came first…someone’s use of mood altering substances like tobacco or the struggle with mental health? It’s like what came first- the chicken or the egg? What we do know is that people have long been engaging in maladaptive behaviors as a way to cope with their feelings. The data also shows a growing increase in the number of youth and adults of all ages who report having a considerable amount of real and perceived stress. There are a number of places this stress can emerge from: the pressure of trying to fit in with a new crowd, the demand for good grades or a great performance, or even from the isolation and loneliness that has been brought on by a modified college experience during COVID. Whatever the reason, this stress can sometimes feel like your breath is being sucked out of you. And it is this stress that often drives people to seek out ways to relieve their emotions.

Research published in Addictive Behaviors in 2021 looked at the association between having a history of mental illness and the use of smoking and vaping.

FINDINGS

The study found there to be a correlation between a history of mental illness (HMI) with smoking and vaping.
A significant number of university students may have a history of mental illness.
Students with a history of mental illness have higher prevalence of smoking and vaping than students without an HMI.
Smokers with an HMI may be vaping to quit smoking or as a substitute for smoking.

STRUGGLING WITH YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?

HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN CONSIDER…

Simply talking to someone can reduce your stress level and improve your mood. Start by reaching out to someone you trust. This may be your athletic trainer, coach, teammate, or academic advisor. Identify the person that can help and work together to make contact with your team physician and/or mental health counselor.
Get involved in your treatment through shared decision making. Participate fully with your mental health counselor or doctor and make informed treatment decisions together. There are even medicines used to help you stop smoking…just ask your athletic trainer or doctor!
Follow through with your recovery plan. Whether you feel your mental health struggles are situational or have been a constant concern your whole life, feeling better takes work. Attending regular counseling sessions and reaching out to your supports more proactively will help keep you on track.
Let mental health counseling be your STRENGTH and not your STIGMA! Looking for ways to better ourselves is part of sports and nobody is criticizing when you want to take extra practice shots, a few more reps, or watching film. The extra conversations with licensed mental health professionals helps to build new ways of thinking, encourages you to not give up, and could even provide you a sense of power and control that may feel absent when you’re feeling anxious, stressed, and depressed.

For support and guidance throughout your college career as an LSU student-athlete, reach out to your resources. It’s often the hardest step, but the most rewarding.

Sport Performance & Counseling:

GeauxBeWell@lsu.edu