A new preliminary study conducted in the United States has found that young people who vape nicotine or marijuana are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts. The study surveyed almost 2,000 participants and found that a majority of vapers had reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in the past week, with over half contemplating suicide in the past year. Additionally, one-third of those who vaped marijuana said they started vaping to cope with depression.
Warning!.. Loren Wold, a professor in the Colleges of Nursing and Medicine at Ohio State University, warns that vaping is not a healthy coping strategy and can lead to heart and lung disease in young people. Although vaping is a relatively new phenomenon, research has already shown shorter-term effects such as inflammation in the airways, blood pressure spikes, and increased stiffness in the arteries. The new findings suggest that vaping may also be linked to mental health issues, with THC-only vapers reporting anxiety issues in the past week, and over half of all vapers struggling with depression symptoms in the past week.
Dr. Rose Marie Robertson, deputy chief science and medical officer for the American Heart Association (AHA), stresses the importance of taking action to address the issue of vaping from multiple angles. This includes regulating the industry, eliminating flavored tobacco products, and offering help to young people who are already vaping. Robertson recommends that parents should have open conversations with their children about the dangers of vaping and that if their child is already vaping, it may be an opportunity to explore whether they are dealing with mental health issues.
Findings!.. The study's findings highlight the need for greater awareness of the potential health risks associated with vaping and the importance of addressing mental health concerns in young people who vape. While vaping may initially seem like a harmless activity, it can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health. Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals should work together to educate young people about the risks of vaping and provide support for those struggling with mental health issues.
It's worth noting that this study is preliminary, and further research is needed to establish a definitive link between vaping and mental health issues. However, the findings are in line with previous studies that have suggested a potential link between vaping and mental health issues, and they underscore the need for continued research into the long-term effects of vaping.
In conclusion, young people who vape nicotine or marijuana are twice as likely to report feeling anxious, depressed, and even suicidal. Vaping is far from a safe solution for coping with mental health issues; in fact doctors warn that it increases the risk of serious heart & lung diseases. Healthcare providers and parents must team up to educate teens on vaping’s dangers while also providing support during times of distress.
