If you’re wondering if CBD can help your mental health, then you may want to consider giving it a try. According to Psychology Today, about 20% of the American population suffers from a form of anxiety. With our current population approaching 330 million people, this means some 66 million people in the United States are affected by anxiety. Many of those with mental health issues have been using CBD in its various forms to help find relief from anxiety.
More importantly, CBD doesn’t have any side effects that are associated with THC products. Since CBD is now legal under the Farm Bill 2018, researchers have a considerable amount of freedom in their studies pertaining to the mental health benefits of cannabidiol.
CBD Oil and Studies
CBD oil is a plant-based oil containing phytocannabinoids. Some cannabinoids are also made by the body naturally and are associated with when you’re feeling relaxed or doing something that makes you happy. They are also released when you have slept well or during exercise. Since your body makes these naturally, they make up your endocannabinoid system and helps keep your body in balance. CBD moderates inflammation, maintains a healthy mood and makes sure your digestive system runs well by interacting with your endocannabinoid system.
Though it helps the body physically, it may also help you mentally. Research has shown in their studies that CBD may reduce autism symptoms, PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, Schizophrenia, addiction, bipolar disorder, and even feelings of isolation. It can also support you by calming your central nervous system and the support of the hippocampus, a brain center responsible for memory function.
Anxiety
Many studies have shown that CBD may reduce the instance of self-reported anxiety. Some research suggests that CBD Oil can help reduce symptoms for those with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and fear of public speaking. Previous studies pertaining to CBD and anxiety have shown that CBD Oil may become a promising treatment for panic disorders, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and even PTSD as well.
PTSD
With the number of veterans and others currently dealing with PTSD, there is currently research on CBD’s effects on this disorder that include reduced symptoms. Since PTSD comes from a traumatic event like combat or another life-threatening moment, the person who suffers from may have lingering memories and sleep disorders, not to mention reduced ability to function well within society. These symptoms alone make it nearly impossible to maintain a good quality of life. CBD Oil has emerged as a new alternative to help those who have PTSD rather than the pharmaceutical standard treatments that have less desirable outcomes due to side-effects.
Schizophrenia
Though THC tends to worsen the symptoms, CBD has shown to reduce or alleviate some of the symptoms of Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia can severely affect the way you think and behave. Many studies have shown that CBD reduces a patient’s unpredictability and impairments caused by this illness. It can help treat other symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
ADHD
Since the 1970s, researchers have shown that CBD Oil may be effective in treating many mental health conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, and even depression. Some studies have shown a positive effect on impulsiveness and hyperactivity that come with ADHD without impairment of attention or cognitive abilities. While there is still ongoing research on the effects of CBD on ADHD, it may help manage specific symptoms. As many who have ADHD also deal with anxiety, CBD Oil can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
Addiction
Cannabidiol has shown some promising help in the field of addiction. Research has shown that CBD Oil will reduce symptoms pertaining to addiction like a reduction of cravings, specifically those triggered by a specific stimulus. It can also repair the damage caused by living in addiction for long periods.
Bipolar Disorder
Symptoms such as nervousness, controlling moods, and even stress can be reduced in those dealing with bipolar disorder when taking CBD Oil. It can be used to overcome many of the overwhelming conditions brought on by this disorder. Decreasing stress plays a vital role in reducing depressive states in bipolar disorder. CBD can ease stress and improve the quality of life for those affected by this disorder.
Sleep Disorders
By calming anxieties that hinder your sleep, CBD has been shown to help you fall asleep faster and even extend REM sleep. It may also increase a person’s sleep quality for those who have a REM behavior disorder as CBD helps your body remain in REM sleep or REM Atonia.
More on Positive Effects
While there are numerous positive effects of CBD in helping mental issues, it’s essential to talk to your doctor or primary care before trying anything new. Discussing your interest and the benefits of CBD with your physician may open new doors for your treatment and possibly help you to step away from traditional Big Pharma approaches. As ongoing studies emerge about the benefits of CBD Oil and mental health, we expect that you’ll see even more benefits from cannabidiol. Most studies show both physical and mental benefits, and many studies are still ongoing.
Also, keep in mind that CBD products are not an insurance-backed alternative to traditional prescriptions. Some health plan cost mitigation strategies under review have CBD as a focus to reduce the cost of healthcare overall. So talking to your doctor to discuss the latest on this topic and taking control of your health is an essential step in improving your quality of life.
In summary, CBD Oil has been shown to help reduce symptoms in numerous mental health issues like anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Schizophrenia, Addiction, Bipolar Disorder, and even some Sleep Disorders. It can do a lot for your mental health. As a natural oil, it’s side-effects are minimal compared to harsher prescription drugs on the market. If you feel that CBD may help you with your mental health, you can find it in various shops and online.
Be aware of your dosage, and make sure you keep records of how you are feeling. Even if you’re feeling good, don’t stop taking any medications prescribed by your doctor without consulting them first. Research your options before discussing it with your doctor. CBD can offer some much-needed relief for your symptoms and improve your well-being. Check out some of our other posts about other CBD health benefits.
References:
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/inner-source/201901/cbd-oil-mental-health-should-you-take-it-too
• https://psychcentral.com/blog/cbd-oil-for-depression-schizophrenia-adhd-ptsd-anxiety-bipolar-more/ By John M. Grohol, Psy.D
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325599.php
• https://vocal.media/potent/mental-illnesses-that-cbd-can-help-treat
