Sometime you read things that make you go hmmmmmm. Wonder where the funding came from for this research because they could have saved tons of money and time had they just asked one of us well informed people living with the illness how smoking relates to our illness.
It's very common for us to turn toward anything that would provide any relief of the thoughts and symptoms that come with our illness. The chemical make-up of nicotine acts as a relaxing agent when we get over stressed.
I would also guess this same study group are made up of non-smokers or even worse ex-smokers that have kicked the habit and act like some in the 12 step program. When I get over stressed it is not uncommon to have three cigarettes lit in my mouth and one up my a** just as a safety measure to control the thoughts.
The article goes on to say that 5 out of the 31 patients actually went on to try and commit suicide while only 3 tried that were non-smokers. Well...the 5 tried because the research group tried to limit how many cigarettes these people could smoke and the 3 from the non-smoking group would not have tried had they had access to a cigarette.
While were seeing funding being cut to help us get the medications we need...I see these ridicules studies being paid with monies that could really be a benefit to us more if it were better spent.
Ok...I am now stepping off my soapbox with only one cigarette lit.
I would not doubt it. I am BP and I smoke.
Unlike many others, I started smoking in my 30's. I love my cigarettes. Is it a death wish? I don't know. I don't want to die of smoking related illness, but cannot seem to quit. It is a struggle as I would like to quit. But I really love my cigarettes.....
Everyone I know smokes.
I know that smoking helps me deal with my BP disorder, that is for sure.
Best of luck to you!