Anxiety is a widespread mental health disorder which affects around 8% of the Swedish population — that’s around 800, 000 Swedes. That is only those suffering from severe anxiety disorder. If you add in those reporting mild to bothersome anxiety, the number almost triples. More disturbingly, the rise over the last decade of reported anxiety of any variety, especially amongst older women and younger boys, is two-fold and growing at an alarming rate!!
As awareness of mental health problems becomes more mainstream, we are finding that more people are suffering, and the age range of sufferers is getting broader. One in three teens will suffer from some form of anxiety disorder before they reach the age of 18. Many studies have found CBD to be a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. While more research is needed, studies link CBD use to improved sleep due to its ability to decrease anxiety.
“CBD’s well-established role in reducing anxiety—without causing stony lethargy that can accompany THC products—makes it an ideal tool to calm intrusive thoughts before laying down to sleep,” says Dr. Whitelocke M.D., owner and CEO of Ozark MMJ Cards. More specifically, CBD acts on the endocannabinoid receptors in the limbic system—a set of brain regions known to play a role in many important functions, including the regulation of emotions, storage of memories, sexual arousal, olfaction (or our sense of smell) and forming of learning patterns. When the limbic system is out of equilibrium, such as when an intrusive memory leads to anxiety and insomnia, CBD activates the ECS to help repress that memory and, consequently, facilitate sleep. “By restoring hormone balance,” says Dr. Whitelocke, “CBD acts as the great equalizer.”
How can CBD help with my Anxiety?
Cannabis sativa contains several active compounds, including Cannabidiol, otherwise known as CBD.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), promoting healing by maintaining the body’s homeostasis for the various bodily and chemical processes. Recent research shows that CBD cannabinoids are like those found in the ECS. It explains why the body can use CBD efficiently.
The natural pathways through which the ECS regulates and maintains body responses like emotion, coordination, pain, mood, or movement are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. As opposed to what many believed before, CBD doesn’t bind itself to these receptors.
Strainz CBD stops the body from breaking down its own naturally occurring endocannabinoids so that it can maximize the benefits of its naturally occurring ones. In addition, other factors, like stress, can interfere with the body’s endocannabinoid system and put it at risk of deficiency. Strainz CBD can therefore address this shortage and restore the balance by promoting the generation of more cannabinoids and suppressing the excessive stimulation of CB1 receptors.
Cannabis interacts explicitly with the 5-HT1As, which are also known as the serotonin receptors. The serotonin receptors handle mood and feelings of happiness. Researchers believe that the 5-HT1A receptors contribute substantially to anxiety disorders. A drug like Buspirone, which reduces anxiety behavior, binds to this receptor. It helps explain why CBD may have a positive impact on people with anxiety.
An additional research study also suggests that CBD may benefit anxiety by engaging with the brain’s GABA receptors. It can have a calming effect on the brain, reducing anxiety behaviors when facing stressful situations because it slows down the brain’s activities.
Preclinical animal studies and human trials indicate CBD is a “potentially effective treatment” for several anxiety conditions, including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. One study found that administering a single dose of the test CBD reduced anxiety responses for subjects with generalized social anxiety disorder during a public speaking test. Indeed, it appears as though CBD may block panic-like responses.
Generalised anxiety (GAD)
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is defined as ongoing and excessive feelings of worry. Treatment for GAD often includes counselling and strong anti-depression medication. If you have anxiety and want to avoid any adverse side effects medication might bring, CBD is an option due to its possible effectiveness yet gentle nature.
Low serotonin levels in the brain are related to increased mood swings, depression, and anxiety. CBD compounds may possibly decrease feelings of anxiety by influencing receptors involved in the production of serotonin!
There is research showing that both in humans and in animal studies, CBD oil may help reduce anxiety. While not concrete evidence, many of these have shown effective results.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder subset in which people who typically have ‘normal’ mental health throughout most of the year exhibit depressive symptoms at the same time each year. It is commonly, but not always, associated with the reductions or increases in total daily sunlight hours that occur during the summer or winter. In Sweden we obviously, and quite predominantly, experience SAD in the Winter due to the extreme lack of sunlight.
Common symptoms include sleeping too much, having little to no energy, and overeating. The condition can often include heightened anxiety.[4]
IT'S ALL ABOUT BALANCE - CBD HELPS YOU REGAIN YOURS
4 replies on “Take a Breath … CBD and Anxiety”
[…] distinct cultural characteristics, and blueberry soup. It also contributes to high rates of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Estimates suggest that roughly 10% of the population suffers from S.A.D. Less sunlight and shorter […]
[…] is that it has quick-acting effects, making it a practical choice for people who require pain or anxiety treatment right away. People can take CBD without calling attention to themselves for another reason: it is […]
[…] Anxiety is a widespread mental health disorder which affects around 8% of the Swedish population — that’s around 800, 000 Swedes. That is only those suffering from severe anxiety disorder. If you add in those reporting mild to bothersome anxiety, the number almost triples. More disturbingly, the rise over the last decade of reported anxiety of any variety, especially amongst older women and younger boys, is two-fold and growing at an alarming rate!! […]
[…] was a college student who had anxiety issues that became severe around exam […]