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Packing up smoking can improve mental health, researchers have found.
Smokers are 70% more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.
But those who quit have no more problems that those who have never smoked.
One in five Brits smoke, figures show.
The study of 6,000 people over 40 found 18.3% of smokers reported suffering depression and anxiety compared with 10% of non-smokers and 11.3% of ex-smokers.
It is the first research of its kind to compare the prevalence of anxiety and depression in smokers, non-smokers, and ex-smokers who have quit for longer than a year.
Lead researcher Robert West, professor of health psychology at UCL (University College London), said: “Our study found that long-term ex-smokers have similar prevalence of anxiety and depression to non-smokers and considerably lower levels than smokers.
“Quitting smoking could be the key to improving not only your physical health, but your mental health too.”
The British Heart Foundation released the findings today ahead of No Smoking Day on March 11.
BHF associate medical director Dr Mike Knapton said: “There is a belief from many smokers that smoking reduces anxiety and stress, which is in turn causing many smokers to put off quitting.
“Yet, instead of aiding people to relax, smoking increases anxiety and tension. When smokers light up, the feeling of reduced stress or relaxation is temporary and is soon replaced by withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
“While smoking temporarily reduces these cravings and feelings of withdrawal - which are similar to feeling anxious or stressed - it does not reduce or treat the underlying causes of stress.”
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