If you struggle with anxiety, you’re not alone. According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are the most prominent mental health conditions in the United States, affecting an estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults.
It’s normal to feel anxious about big life moments like moving, starting a new job, or getting married. Ordinary anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion. However, if the feeling of fear starts to interfere with your daily life, relationships, and physical health, it has the potential to become a much bigger problem. If you’re looking for ways to relax and unwind, CBD may be a great option for you.
MANAGING ANXIETY
In the last few years, CBD has been touted as a treatment for a number of medical conditions, including cancer, anxiety, depression and chronic pain. While it’s still unclear how CBD treats anxiety, some research has shown that it may help due to its positive effect on serotonin receptors in the brain.
Serotonin, or the happy chemical as it’s sometimes called, plays a role in your mood, sleep, digestion, and behavior all of which can affect your overall happiness and well-being. Researchers have found that increasing serotonin levels can help treat anxiety. Certain medications, like antidepressants, work by regulating serotonin levels, and some studies suggest that CBD may work in a similar way.
FIGHTING DEPRESSION
There is some evidence to suggest that CBD may help improve depression, but more research is needed to say for sure. There have been several studies in the last decade, but most of them were done using animals. That means the potential benefits of CBD for depression is mostly anecdotal. Still, researchers think that CBD may treat depression and anxiety in the same way — by altering serotonin levels in the brain. While CBD may help with depression, it may also interfere with other medications, so it’s best to talk with your doctor before trying it.
REDUCING STRESS
A 2017 Gallup poll found eight in 10 Americans are affected by stress. While stress is not a psychiatric diagnosis, it’s closely tied to your mental health in several ways. If you have trouble managing feelings of stress, you may eventually develop a mental illness like anxiety or depression. Chronic stress can also lead to more serious health issues like high blood pressure, chest pain and heart palpitations.
A survey by the Arthritis Foundation found people who have used or are currently using CBD report improvements in their mental and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that CBD can also help boost cognitive brain function while improving your mood, allowing you to focus on managing your stress in a healthy and productive way.
WHAT DOSE SHOULD I TAKE?
If you want to try CBD for anxiety or depression, talk with your doctor. There aren’t any guidelines on the dosage of CBD you should use for either mental health condition, but your healthcare provider can help you figure out a starting dose that’s right for you. When it comes to how to take it, the decision is yours. There are many different forms you can choose from including CBD oil and gummies.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult your physician prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing or using other medications.
