BACKGROUND Rates of smoking remain high in people who have a diagnosis of mental illness. The high prevalence of smoking in this population highlights the need to engage people experiencing mental ill-health in enhancing quit-smoking programs.

METHOD This study examined the experience of tobacco smoking, reasons for and benefits of quitting smoking among people diagnosed with a mental illness. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 17 participants who had attempted to quit smoking to gain insights into their experiences and gather recommendations for improved smoking cessation support.

RESULTS Findings indicate a link between smoking and mental health, with consumers using smoking as a way to cope with psychological distress. Often, the reasons for quitting smoking were associated with increased personal recovery.

CONCLUSION This study highlights the role of support and the right timing to maximise consumers' likelihood of quitting smoking. Smoking cessation interventions should be delivered in a recovery-focused way, which enhances self-determination and the personal decision to quit smoking.

PATIENT OR CONSUMER CONTRIBUTION The first author is in a designated lived experience (Consumer) role. The first author conducted the interviews and was explicit regarding their lived experience of mental health challenges and experience as an ex-smoker when engaging with participants.