Although smoking rates in Australia have been steadily declining in the general population, the rates among people with mental health issues are much higher, and smoking is a significant contributor to the health and financial inequalities experienced by people with mental health issues.
The prevalence of smoking among people living with a mental illness, which can significantly reduce life expectancy, is extremely high, and has remained largely unchanged over the last 30 years. ACOSH has worked in partnership with MIFWA to raise awareness of the issues around mental health and smoking.
