Vaping and mental health
There’s no doubt that vaping is on the rise, especially among teens. In fact, vaping has become so popular that schools are now banning it. But what many people don’t realize is that vaping can actually lead to anxiety and depression.
Studies have shown that nicotine, which is found in most e-cigarettes, can increase anxiety levels. In one study, participants who vaped nicotine-based e-cigarettes experienced more anxiety than those who didn’t vape at all. And in another study, teens who vaped were more likely to develop symptoms of depression than those who didn’t vape.
So why does vaping lead to anxiety and depression? It’s probably because nicotine is a highly addictive substance. When you vape, you’re getting a steady dose of nicotine, which can cause your brain to become dependent on it. That’s why it’s so hard to quit vaping once you start.
What you can do
Educators have an important duty to be proactive about the mental health of their students. If you notice any changes in a student’s behavior, vaping may be the cause. Be sure to talk to your students about the risks of vaping and offer resources for quitting.
If you’re a teacher, you might be wondering how you can help your students quit vaping. Here are a few things you can do:
- Talk to your students about the risks of vaping. Make sure they understand that vaping is not safe and can lead to anxiety and depression.
- Offer resources for quitting. You can find a list on our Resources page.
- Be supportive. If a student comes to you wanting to quit vaping, offer your support and help them find resources to quitting.
Vaping is a serious issue, but it’s one that we can all help address. By talking to our students and offering resources, we can make a difference.