Does vaping alleviate anxiety or stress Vaping isn't helping reduce your stress, anxiety or depression. Here's what's actually happening in your brain. Nicotine gives you a quick dopamine hit that lasts maybe 5 minutes. Then it crashes. You Are you trapped in a vape related mental health cycle? A common misconception about vaping is that it helps people feel better but vaping often increases feelings of anxiety, and can make your Vaping and Anxiety: Why They're Connected