Paige Desmond
Though statistics say the number of smokers in Canada is steadily decreasing, it is estimated that in Ontario, one in five people lit up on a daily or occasional basis in 2007, according to Stats Canada.
And while the physical health risks of smoking are well-known, a study released last week by the Canadian Medical Association indicates one-fifth of participants recommend smokers worry about their mental health, too.
The eighth-annual National Report Card on Health Care, prepared by the CMA, studied in-depth the stigma attached to mental illness as well as other elements of Canada’s health care system.
Respondents were asked to choose from a list of conditions which should be considered serious mental illnesses, mental illnesses, or not mental illnesses at all.
Of the polling group of 2,024 online respondents, 20 percent said smoking should fall into the mental illness category. And of that 20 percent, 18- to 34-year-olds were more likely to classify cigarette smoking as a mental illness than those 55 and older.
Though other addictions, such as drugs, alcohol, and gambling, commonly are accepted as mental health issues, smoking generally is not considered to fall into this group.
“Cigarette smoking is an addiction and addictions are a subset of mental illness,” explained Susan Marshall of the Fort Frances branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
That being said, Marshall does not consider smoking to fall under the veil of mental health.
Local smokers and non-smokers alike agree that while smoking no doubt is a powerful addiction, mental illness has nothing to do with it.
“I definitely disagree,” affirmed Cheryl, a local smoker. “I think that’s taking it a little too far.”
Bruce, a construction worker, echoed the sentiment, saying while smoking does speak to people of an addictive nature, to define it as an illness is not right.
Weighing in on the subject, former smoker Al Carrier and his wife, Val, disagree—with the classification.
Eight years ago, Carrier was faced with an ultimatum. “Quit smoking or die,” he said bluntly. “I quit then and I don’t miss it at all.”
He recalled how difficult it was to quit before his doctor’s ultimatum, trying every gum and antidote available as his aid.
But the Carriers both say despite smoking’s addictive qualities, they would not classify it as a mental illness.
When told younger age brackets were more likely to define cigarette addiction as mental illness, Carrier concluded that could be a positive thing.
Despite the need, as explained in the CMA’s report, for less negative stigma attached to mental illness, perhaps it could deter younger age groups from taking up the habit.
“If it keeps young people from smoking, why not?” Carrier remarked.
