Using CBD to Help with Mental Health

How Can You Use CBD to Help Your Mental Health?

In the past few years, CBD has received a lot of attention because of its potential health benefits. CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is one of the two main substances isolated from the cannabis plant. There is a common misconception that CBD can get you high. But the psychoactive effects of cannabis come from another compound called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), not CBD.

Researchers have been exploring the potential health benefits of CBD, which include potential mental health benefits. Mental health has been one of the major focuses of the healthcare field during the past few years, in part because mental health disorders like depression or bipolar disorder affect one in four U.S. adults in any given year. Because mental disorders are so prevalent, it’s important to develop a well-rounded plan to address them, and this could include CBD.

Why Use CBD to Treat Mental Health Concerns?

Mental health issues can have a devastating impact on someone's health and well-being. In general, mental health issues are addressed with a combination of therapy and prescription medications. Unfortunately, many of the prescription medications used to treat mental health issues can lead to side effects including headaches, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, agitation, and drowsiness.

And some of the prescription medications used to treat mental health issues, such as benzodiazepines, can be addictive. If people use them for prolonged periods of time, they could develop a substance abuse disorder. CBD could provide an effective alternative to some prescription medications, helping people avoid unwanted side effects.

1. CBD Could Help People Address Social Anxiety Disorder

One potential benefit of using CBD to improve mental health is its use for social anxiety. Social anxiety refers to symptoms that people develop in response to interactions with others. Common symptoms include rapid breathing, shaking, elevated heart rate, and trouble focusing. One study showed that CBD could help people who suffer from social anxiety and a variety of related issues. Another study even showed that CBD could help people deal with anxiety that develops due to public speaking.

2. CBD Could Help People Who Suffer from Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health issues that affect people. It can impact anyone — no age, gender, race, ethnicity, faith (or lack of) is immune. Depression can make it extremely hard to function in daily life. Some of the most common symptoms include difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, and a loss of pleasure in activities that used to bring joy. Depression can impact not only those who suffer from it, but also their families and friends. Traditionally, depression is treated using SSRIs and therapy. CBD, because it may be able to alter serotonin (a neurotransmitter linked to mood, stress, and emotion) levels, might have a place in treating depression.

3. CBD Could Help People Who Suffer from PTSD

PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. This condition can develop following serious traumatic events. Examples include tours of duty in active war zones, being victimized in a violent crime (such as rape or physical assault), or being involved in a serious motor vehicle accident. One study showed that CBD may be able to reduce the symptoms of PTSD in adults. It’s important to note that CBD would be best combined with other treatment methods, including therapy, to take a well-rounded approach to the treatment of PTSD.

4. CBD Can Help People Treat Chronic Pain

One common reason that people develop mental health issues has to do with chronic pain. There are countless people who live with it on a daily basis, and some of the most common treatment methods, such as opioid and narcotic medications, can be extremely addictive. CBD, when coupled with a healthy diet, plenty of sleep, and regular exercise, may be helpful in easing chronic pain. Studies have shown that CBD could also help reduce inflammation by targeting endocannabinoid receptors. CBD can also be combined with other treatment methods like physical therapy to help people better manage chronic pain.

5. CBD May Help People with ADHD

Finally, CBD could also be used to help people who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Even though this condition is frequently associated with children, it can impact adults as well. Traditionally, ADHD has been controlled with prescription medications, such as Adderall and Ritalin, but those could lead to a variety of side effects, including appetite suppression and addiction.

Even though this is an area of active research, early results show that CBD could play a role in helping people with this condition.

Consider Using CBD to Address Mental Health Issues

Ultimately, these are just a few of the possible mental health benefits of CBD.

A strong treatment plan using evidence-based approaches to address mental health issues can make a significant difference in someone's overall quality of life. CBD could potentially be a helpful complement in the therapy process.

Everyone reacts differently to CBD, however, so it’s important for people to talk with their doctor about how it might impact them.

Which Brands Should I Choose?

There are literally hundreds of CBD brands to choose from. Try to ensure organic, non-GMO, made in the USA grown CBD brands. A “full-spectrum” option we’ve found that offers a simple lineup of Gummies and Tincture Drops at an affordable price is Chill Frog CBD.