Whilst quitting smoking may open doors to a healthier and longer life, people with mental illness may experience complicated withdrawal resulting from interaction between chemicals in cigarettes and prescribed medications and an increased risk of exacerbation of mental health symptoms. Monitoring by the treating doctor is recommended for people with a current/recent history of mental health condition, or those who have experienced recurring symptoms at previous quitting attempts.

Quit has experienced increasing demand from health professionals for support in their work to assist clients who smoke.

Strategy: Quit initially implemented safe smoking cessation guidelines for Quitline callers in 2003. They provide a framework for working with people with mental health conditions. Strategies to promote safe smoking cessation now include tailored information and training sessions for health professionals including fax referral to Quitline, tailored resources and partnership projects with community agencies. Evaluation indicates training has increased the skills and confidence of participants in promoting safe smoking cessation with their clients. Feedback regarding Quitline support has been positive.

Conclusion: People with mental health conditions are motivated to quit, as indicated by their calls to the Victorian Quitline making up approximately 30% of the total. Health professional training in the mental health setting complements this consumer-led demand for assistance to address their smoking.