ABC of Mental Health

Hello! Welcome to another edition of the ABC of Mental Health, your partner in the journey to better mental health — one newsletter at a time. This week’s theme is Chai-Sutta Culture since tomorrow is World No Tobacco Day. We bring it to your inbox this Thursday to make your Thursday a little therapeutic! 

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One relevant recommendation:

An article titled: A Long Walk With The Tobacco Users Of Mumbai, Filter Mag, Kiran Sidhu, 2024

In "A Long Walk With the Tobacco Users of Mumbai," Kiran Sidhu recounts her journey through central Mumbai with Rizwan, a former smoker turned vape advocate. Despite India's 2019 vape ban, Rizwan and others have continued to promote vaping as a life-saving alternative to smoking. Rizwan's personal story, influenced by his mother's death from cancer, highlights the severe health impacts of tobacco use, vividly illustrated during their visit to Dharavi, one of Mumbai’s largest slums. The narrative reveals the pervasive use of various forms of tobacco, the cultural and economic factors sustaining this habit, and the significant barriers to tobacco harm reduction in India.

Two quotes on Smoking and Challenges of Quitting:

Allen Carr, British Author and Addiction specialist, explains the intention behind people smoking:

“Smokers do not smoke because they enjoy it. They do it because they are miserable without it.” 

Barack Obama, ex-USA President, on his struggle with smoking, highlights the challenges of quitting even for someone in the public eye:

"I constantly struggle with it. Have I fallen off the wagon sometimes? Yes. Am I a daily smoker, a constant smoker? No." 

Three TherapyShorts from TST ^{(on the culture of smoking)}

1. Smoking is seen as cool and a way to bond, especially at workplaces - In many parts of the world (particularly India), smoking, especially with a cup of chai (tea), is often seen as a social activity. It’s a way to take breaks, bond with colleagues, and network. The act of sharing a cigarette can create a sense of camaraderie and inclusion, making it appear "cool" and socially acceptable. Example: At workplaces, employees might step outside together for a smoke break, using this time to discuss work-related topics or simply socialise. A pop-culture example is seen in the popular Sitcom FRIENDS where Rachel feels excluded from work conversations. She thus picks up smoking to feel included and not miss out on opportunities.

2. Coping mechanism for stress and anxiety - Many people turn to smoking as a way to manage stress and anxiety. However, this coping mechanism is influenced by gender norms. For men, smoking is often seen as a sign of masculinity and toughness, while women may face stigma for smoking, leading to different social pressures and experiences. A male employee might smoke to appear more confident or to deal with job pressure, while a female employee might smoke discreetly due to societal judgment. Both are using smoking to cope with stress, but their experiences and societal reactions differ significantly.

3. New varieties of “sutta” today - Traditional cigarettes are now being supplemented by newer forms like vapes and e-cigarettes. Despite blanket bans on these products in some regions, they are still easily accessible. The popularity of these alternatives is growing, yet there is a lack of comprehensive research on their long-term health effects, which can be misleading for users. Young adults might switch to vaping, thinking it’s a safer option than smoking. Despite bans, these products can be found online or through informal markets. Research actually indicates vapes are just as harmful as cigarettes, in some cases even more, and have led to lung collapse, especially in minors. "Switching from smoking to vaping is like going from a fast food diet to a processed food diet. It's a step in the right direction, but not the final destination."

Love and light,

The Social Therapist