Veterans Affairs – #WNTD Twitter Town Hall
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs held a town hall focused on smoking and mental health, all a part of Mental Health Month. The town hall was exclusively on their Twitter account earlier today, World No Tobacco Day (May 31). Here are the highlights from that town hall:
Welcome to our #WNTD Twitter Town Hall. As we wrap up Mental Health Month, we would like to discuss the impact smoking has on mental health—specifically, on behavioral health populations. pic.twitter.com/iLoPN3fLvD
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 31, 2018
In our experience many #Veterans don't realize the impact smoking has on their mental health. #WNTD
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 31, 2018
Q1: With that in mind, we’ll ask our partner orgs: How does smoking affect mental health? #WNTD
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 31, 2018
A1: Great points from our partners. In the moment, the nicotine in cigarettes appears to enhance concentration and attention to detail. However, that is short-lived and repeated exposure reduces the effect. #WNTD
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 31, 2018
A1: You can learn more about the relationship between smoking and mental health at https://t.co/M1hqnLK9Qo #WNTD
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 31, 2018
Q2: We understand that quitting can seem overwhelming, especially for individuals who are also facing a mental health challenge. Partners, what are some of the mental health benefits of sticking with it and quitting? #WNTD
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 31, 2018
A2: #WNTD pic.twitter.com/gKdhaDElAL
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 31, 2018
A5: Approximately 25% of adults in the U.S. have some form of mental illness or substance use disorder, and these adults consume almost 40% of all cigarettes smoked by adults in the U.S. #WNTD
— CDC Tobacco Free (@CDCTobaccoFree) May 31, 2018
Q6: Partners, what should health care providers know about the ties between smoking and PTSD? #WNTD
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 31, 2018
A6: Many people with PTSD report that they smoke to manage their mood and deal with stress and anxiety. While smoking may feel like it helps you alleviate stress, in the long run it can make your PTSD and stress symptoms worse. #WNTD
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 31, 2018
A6: Quitting smoking does not worsen PTSD symptoms, lead to psychiatric hospitalization, or increase use of alcohol or drugs. #WNTD
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 31, 2018
A6: For Veterans with PTSD, VA offers Quit VET, a free national quitline that helps them build and stick to a quit plan. Call 1-855-784-8838 to get started. #WNTD pic.twitter.com/uaNbGvY0l7
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 31, 2018
A10: You can find more #WNTD information and resources at https://t.co/HOX0VPog3r pic.twitter.com/pONv6NHc8B
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 31, 2018
Source: Official Department of Veterans Affairs Twitter (@DeptVetAffairs)
