Experiencing anxiety occasionally is common for most people. Situations like a stressful incident at work, trouble at home, or feeling overwhelmed at school can trigger anxiety. However, chronic stress is a daily ordeal for some, deeply affecting their everyday lives. Traditional treatments for reducing anxiety typically involve a combination of therapy and medication. Many medications federally approved for treating anxiety disorders can be highly addictive and have serious side effects. Recently, CBD oils have emerged as an alternative treatment.
How Does CBD Help with Anxiety?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound found in the Cannabis plant. While Cannabis is often associated with getting high, the Cannabis plant contains 483 known compounds, with CBD and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being the most prevalent. Both have therapeutic effects, but only THC is psychoactive. CBD, derived from the hemp variety of Cannabis, is low in THC and high in CBD. In contrast, marijuana plants have high THC and low CBD, leading to the euphoric effects of smoking, ingesting, or vaping.
Despite their different effects, CBD and THC interact with the body in similar ways. Medical marijuana research led to the discovery of the Endocannabinoid System and the study of phytocannabinoids. THC and CBD belong to this class of compounds, commonly referred to as cannabinoids.
The body naturally produces cannabinoids to regulate mood, movement, cognition, and emotions. Supplementing with cannabinoids like CBD or THC through creams, tinctures, edibles, or vaping helps the Endocannabinoid System maintain homeostasis. When using CBD oil for anxiety, hemp oil can help alleviate symptoms such as feeling overwhelmed, sweaty hands, a racing heart rate, and flushing. Studies suggest that consistent use of CBD oils can help prevent anxiety attacks, providing a sense of well-being and peace. CBD treatment for anxiety may also help people relax, sleep better, and worry less.
How to Use Cannabis Oil to Treat Anxiety
Doctors commonly prescribe serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Prozac, Zoloft, or Paxil to treat anxiety. Benzodiazepines are another common treatment of anxiety. However, these medications can have serious side effects, including insomnia, headaches, and nausea, and can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms. While these medications are potential treatments for anxiety, CBD and medical cannabis offer a more natural alternative with fewer adverse effects.
CBD products come in various forms and dosages, including creams, tinctures, edibles, and vaping. Since CBD has no psychoactive effects, it is legal to purchase for anxiety relief in all 50 states.
A common misconception is that high doses of CBD are necessary for effectiveness. However, CBD research shows that low doses can provide anxiety relief depending on the quality and treatment program provided by a healthcare provider.
Other Health Benefits of CBD
CBD hemp oil may offer relief for various health concerns outside of anxiety treatment, including:
- Pain relief for sore muscles by increasing blood flow
- Alleviating arthritis symptoms
- Encouraging restful sleep
- Relieves symptoms of depression
- Managing cancer-related symptoms (e.g., breast cancer, colon cancer)
- Reduces inflammation
- Provides treatment for epilepsy
- Helps prevent migraines
- Providing therapy for multiple sclerosis(MS)
Understanding Different Anxiety Disorders
Now that we understand how CBD oils can treat anxiety, let’s explore the different types of anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves you feeling excessive worry for six months or more. The fear and concern overflow into everything from one’s professional to personal life. This anxiety permeates all aspects of life, causing serious problems.
Common symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include:
- Feeling excessively tired
- Extreme stress and worry
- Tightly wound muscles
- Feeling irritable or edgy
- Inability to control worry
- Chronic stress
- Insomnia
Phobia-Related Disorders
Phobias, such as fear of flying or public speaking, sometimes referred as simple-phobias, are extreme terrors triggered by specific situations. CBD oils for anxiety can help treat symptoms of these phobias by promoting a calming effect.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety involves a fear of social situations. This common social phobia leads to isolation, further anxiety, and depression. People with social anxiety worry about negative judgment from others, affecting their professional or school life. To avoid anxiety, they may avoid triggering situations and people.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder involves sudden and uncontrollable panic attacks, peaking within minutes. Triggers or unexpected situations often cause these attacks.
Common Symptoms of a Panic Disorder
- Excessive sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Feelings of doom
- Feeling out of control
- Shortness of breath
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or more commonly known as PTSD, is an anxiety disorder caused by traumatic events such as death, car accidents, natural disasters, or chronic physical or sexual abuse. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, and irritability. People with PTSD may avoid triggers, people, and connections to the traumatic event. Even those who haven’t experienced the event themselves (family members or close friends) might also have symptoms of PTSD.
Anxiety is a severe mental health issue affecting more than 18.1 million people. For some, it has life-changing consequences, resulting in extreme fear and an inability to cope with daily life. CBD is a safe and effective way to manage anxiety and live a normal life.
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