Psychologists Call The Assumption That Smoking Can Relieve Stress Is Not Completely A Myth

JAKARTA - Clinical Psychologist Liza Marielly Djaprie explained that the assumption that smoking can relieve stress is not entirely a myth.

"Whether smoking relieves stress is a myth, it's actually not. Because since childhood we have had a program where when we are not comfortable we seek comfort through oral activities," explained Liza as quoted from Antara, Saturday, May 28.

Liza gave an example, when a person is a baby, he will cry when he feels insecure. For example, when the diaper is wet, hungry, and so on.

The solution that was obtained at that time was to give breast milk so that the little one calmed down again.

Therefore, someone indirectly has a program in his brain that oral activity can relieve discomfort.

This can be carried over until the child has grown up.

"When we are adults and then we are stressed, full of pressure, that's usually we always try to find comfort. Where is the comfort? Usually we go back to the oral phase," said Liza.

"So remember when the baby was crying, we weren't comfortable, our diaper was wet, or pooped, or hungry, generally we were fed. Or when we got a little older we were given food or snacks. Usually parents say, 'Don't cry, later. Mama bought chocolate, for example, like that," he continued.

Liza said, oral activity is the focus of seeking comfort. Therefore, when a person is an adult, when he feels stressed he will try to find comfort through oral activities.

This is what makes people assume that smoking can relieve stress.

"The tendency is that we look for an outlet for our stress by seeking comfort through oral activities. Whether it's smoking, oral sex, or eating, there is something called emotional eating, candy or all kinds of things. It can be like that," said Liza.

However, Liza emphasized that this is not a reason for someone to try smoking.

Because, the best thing to deal with a problem or stress is to think of a way out of the problem.

"But does it have to be cigarettes? Yes or no. Does it have to be oral? Of course not. Actually, when we are stressed, when we have problems, the best way of course is problem solving. Looking for solutions to these problems. Not running away from other things ," he concluded.