Leitrim woman breaks 45-year smoking habit finding strength through HSE support

A Leitrim woman who smoked 20 cigarettes a day for 45 years has said her life is ‘so much better,’ since enrolling in Community HSE Stop Smoking Service in Leitrim.

Angela was hospitalised with pneumonia in October 2023 at age 66. She made the courageous decision to quit smoking, marking a significant turning point in her life. Having a diagnosis of schizophrenia added complexity to Angela's journey. 

This serious mental health illness can influence many aspects of a person's life, including their motivation, mood and their ability to cope with stress.

For Angela, the decision to quit smoking required not only physical determination but also a strong support system to help her navigate the emotional and psychological challenges that often accompany both mental health illness and quitting smoking.

The free Stop Smoking Service in Leitrim included regular one-on-one appointments and access to resources that helped Angela understand the triggers and cravings associated with her tobacco addiction.

The programme offered personalised behavioural change strategies and comprehensive guidance on the use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). 

Blánaid Clancy, Stop Smoking Advisor, provided Angela with the important tools and resources to help support her journey.

Angela experienced both challenges and successes when quitting smoking. Over the weeks, Angela began to notice improvements in her overall wellbeing.

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Additional benefits include improvements in her physical health, energy levels and positive changes in her Mental Health Care Plan including a decrease in her medication. 

“I feel a lot better, I have no cough and there is no smell of smoke in the house. My medication has been reduced,” said Angela.

Angela describes life as being “so much better for me both mentally and physically."

Angela’s husband reflects on the transformation, expressing “how very proud he is of his wife Angela.” He has noted several benefits since Angela quit smoking. Not only is there no lingering smell of smoke in their home, but they also save 18 euros a day—amounting to a substantial sum over the year. Family members have observed Angela's increased energy levels and her newfound enthusiasm for life, highlighting the ripple effects of her decision on those around her.

Angela and her family are deeply grateful for the assistance provided by the HSE Stop Smoking Service, which has been instrumental in guiding and encouraging her throughout this change in her life.

Angela’s story serves as a testament to resilience, support, and the difference that a structured programme can make in the journey to quit smoking.

If this article has inspired you and you are interested in quitting smoking, the Sligo/Leitrim Stop Smoking Service can be contacted at Stopsmoking.sligoleitrim@hse.ie

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