Can Smoking Reduce Stress? Check Out The Facts

Illustration/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - Clinical Psychologist Liza Marielly Djaprie, M.Psi, CH explains that the assumption that smoking can relieve stress is not entirely a myth. through oral activities," explained Liza as quoted by Antara, Saturday, May 28. Liza explained that when a person is still a baby, he will cry when he feels insecure. For example, when the diaper is wet, hungry, and so on. The solution at that time was to give breast milk or a baby pacifier so that the child would calm down. Therefore, someone indirectly has a program in his brain that oral activity can relieve discomfort. This can also 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 the first time when the baby, we cried, we were uncomfortable, our diaper was wet, or pooped, or hungry, generally we were fed. Or when we were a little older we gave food or snacks. Usually parents persuaded 'Don't cry. dong. I'll buy you chocolate later, for example, like that," he continued.

So Liza said that 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 indeed that we seek 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. I can do that," said Liza. However, Liza emphasized that this is not a reason for someone to try smoking. Because, the best thing to overcome a problem or feeling of stress is to think of a way out of the problem. "But do you have to smoke? Yes or no. Does it have to be oral? Of course not. Actually, when we are stressed, when we have problems, the best way is of course is problem solving. Looking for a solution to the problem. Not running away from other things," he concluded.