CBD and Anxiety – Does it work?

CBD and Anxiety – Does it work?

We are living in very strange times. Each new day brings with it a plethora of unique challenges. Sometimes just making it out of bed is a victory. Turning on the news for just 10 minutes can make even the happiest individual depressed.

Wondering what works to ease apprehension?

What about the people that are already dealing with worries? While social distancing is an ABSOLUTE MUST, it creates its own set of challenges, especially for the folks that are already dealing with separate issues.

We will discuss some of the biggest factors in our CBD and stress BLOG.

  1. What are the common symptoms of anxiety?

  2. What causes anxiety?

  3. Who is affected by anxiety?

  4. Treatments for anxiety.

  5. Dealing with anxiety on your own?

  6. What is CBD?

  7. Does CBD work for anxiety?

Let’s dive in a little deeper into what anxiety is, and what causes it, before we discuss CBD and its role in reducing or helping to bring back the calm.

What are the common symptoms of anxiety?

According to the Mayo Clinic...

Common anxiety and panic signs and symptoms include:

  • Feeling nervous, restless or tense
  • Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
  • Having an increased heart rate
  • Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
  • Sweating
  • Trembling
  • Feeling weak or tired
  • Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
  • Having trouble sleeping
  • Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
  • Having difficulty controlling worry
  • Having the urge to avoid things that trigger panic

    Tired Public Transit Rider

    What causes anxiety?

    According to WebMD, anxiety can be brought on by a mental condition, physical condition, the effects of drugs or a combination of those factors.

    Mental conditions can include:

    • Panic Disorder
    • GAD
    • Phobic Disorder
    • Stress Disorder

    Physical conditions can include: 

    • Stress from your professional life.
    • Stress from your personal life.
    • Financial worry.

    Money Pile

    Who is affected by anxiety?

    Anxiety and Panic disorders do not discriminate. Every single individual, regardless of sex, race, age and socioeconomic status can suffer from them.

    According to The Anxiety and Depression Association of America...

    • Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year.
    • Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.

    Those numbers are overwhelming, and they are for the United States alone. 

    Treatments for Anxiety

    Wondering what works for stress and panic? Trying to get help with calming your mind. There’s a wide range of treatments that’s available. Speaking with your doctor should always be your first step. Outside of that, seeking professional help from a psychiatrist or a psychologist is also very helpful. 

    These mental health professionals can help you with some scientifically proven treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), just to name a few.

    5. Dealing with anxiety on your own?

    If you’re a person dealing with anxiety who is not comfortable talking in person to others about your issues, don’t worry you have options. There are things you can try on your own before seeking professional help.

    Below is only a brief list of things you can learn or do to help ease your symptoms. These are a few of our suggestions but do anything that helps you relax and put your mind at ease.

    • Breathing Techniques
    • Meditation
    • Practice Mindfulness
    • Watch a movie
    • Yoga
    • Grounding techniques
    • Exercise
    • Go for a walk
    • Proper and healthy diet (no sugar or junk food)
    • Reduce your caffeine intake
    • Get enough sleep
    • Hydrate (with water)
    • Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption

     Woman on hammock on beach

    These are just a few ways that can help you relax. You know best what works for you. Most important is to practice self-care to get your stress levels under control as soon as possible. Once panic gets rolling, it is hard to stop.

    Over the last couple of years people have been turning to a new and holistic approach. CBD. It is now everywhere. You probably heard about it from your coworker, your cousin, your best friend. Or you saw someone bragging about all the ways CBD has benefitted them on Facebook. 

    You’re curious but a little afraid to try it. This is why we wrote this blog, to walk you through what CBD is, how to pick the right one, and answer the question, does CBD actually work.

    What is CBD?

    We covered this topic in more detail in our previous blogs, so please feel free to review here. To briefly summarize, CBD stands for Cannabidiol and it’s one of over 100 known molecules that’s synthesized by the cannabis plant. In order for the CBD to be legal, it has to be extracted from the hemp plant (which is a strain of cannabis plant with a THC content less than 0.3%). It is legal in all 50 States.

    Not to be confused with the marijuana plant which is a strain of cannabis with a THC content greater than 0.3%. CBD is still found in a marijuana plant, but this form of CBD is still not legal in many states.

    Judges time 

    CBD acts on the cannabinoid receptors that are a part of your endocannabinoid system (ECS). That is the system tasked with promoting homeostasis in your body. 

    Scientists are still uncertain as to the full function of the ECS, however thus far they realize it has a function in regulating sleep, mood, appetite, chronic pain, learning and memory, stress, and muscle formation to name a few. 

    There are three main types of CBD you can buy online: 

    1. Full Spectrum CBD (0.3% THC)
    2. Broad Spectrum CBD (THC Free)
    3. CBD Isolate (THC Free)

    For a more thorough explanation on the differences, check here

    CBD from a hemp plant will not get you high, regardless of how much you consume. There’s just not enough THC. The only way hemp can get you high, is if you make a rope from it. 

    If consumed in larger amounts, full spectrum CBD can cause a small buildup of THC in your body, and it might show up on a drug test, or even worse increase your panic. 

    Does CBD work for stress management?

    Tons of CBD companies are claiming their CBD can help in managing your stress levels. You will see their product reviews that claim the same thing. The reality is there is not enough scientific evidence that shows CBD being effective just yet. 

    Some small studies have been done, but not enough to have proven its effectiveness.  

    According to goodrx.com...

    • A 2011 study showed that CBD reduced panic and discomfort during public speaking in people with social anxiety disorder. 
    • Another 2011 study found that CBD reduced anxiety symptoms in people with social anxiety disorder.
    • A 2015 review of 49 studies found evidence that “strongly supported” CBD as a treatment for GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
    • A study in 2019 used CBD to treat people who were struggling with panic and sleep. Almost 80% of people’s stress levels improved, and almost 70% reported improved sleep in the first month, but the results for sleep varied over time.
    • A 2017 study didn’t find any evidence that CBD improved stress levels, panic or paranoia, and it actually increased them in some people.

    Bottom line on CBD and managing stress.

    You can easily buy cbd for sale online and try it for yourself. Our bodies respond differently, so what works for one person might not necessarily work for another. There’s a majority of people that claim it does wonders for them, including decreasing or eliminating their stress levels.

    When trying CBD, make sure you pick the right spectrum and dosage. Some people suffer from THC induced anxiety. They tried marijuana to relieve their symptoms and discovered that only made the problem worse.

    In this case, make sure you try broad spectrum or CBD isolate, which are technically THC free. Full spectrum only has up to 0.3% THC, which is not enough to get you high, but in some cases can increase your angst.

    Start with a lower dose, around 10mg to 15mg at a time, twice a day and see how you respond for the first five days. Keep a journal, so that you always have the objective perspective. 

    Then you can decide if you want to increase the dosage, decrease the dosage or leave as is. It can take some time to find the perfect combination.

    CBD Oil

    CBD is safe, as long as you make sure you buy a quality brand.

    With so many CBD brands currently for sale online, and more popping up every day make sure you check their third party lab results. If a brand does not have these Certificates of Analysis easily available, avoid them. 

    If someone is trying to sell you a gallon of CBD for $20 avoid it. CBD is still fairly pricey, but the cost is going down. 

    The CBD Haven, is offering a 15% discount on your first purchase of CBD online, with the code WELCOME15. Check out all of our discounts.

    Finally make sure you pick the right type of CBD. If you don’t want any THC, or are worried about THC induced panic, pick Broad Spectrum or CBD Isolate.

    The delivery method is important as well.  Oils & Tinctures, Softgels and Gummies are you best bets. Topicals will not work.

    If you have any questions, or want a free consultation on which product might work best for you, e-mail us at: support@thecbdhaven.com, and we’ll be happy to make a recommendation. We’re not doctors, but we sure know our CBD.

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