Is CBD the Best Cure For Anxiety and Depression?
Anxiety is expanding its web at a rapid pace currently. Have you also ever felt frustrated for no reason? Is losing your temper in a while becoming a routine? If the answer turns out to be affirmative, then there is a high probability of you suffering from an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety, when coupled with depression, leads to severe issues, mental as well as physical. Studies have shown that approximately 50% of those diagnosed with depression also suffer from an anxiety disorder. They are like ‘first cousins’, interlinked with each other.
Factors Causing Anxiety and Depression
As per the previous findings, neurotransmitters are natural chemicals that facilitate communication between our nerve cells and studies report that such mental health conditions of anxiety and depression are generally (not always) caused by an imbalance of this chemical in the brain. A lot of other factors also cause these ailments in the body though, out of which stressful work environment tops the chart.
The signs of these diseases can be seen prevailing in children as well as adults. An eye-widening report from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that anxiety disorder hits on average 18% of adults in the United States every year. Meanwhile, 25% of teenagers also show symptoms. A blend of genetic and environmental factors aids in these conditions evolving. Some of the factors are enumerated below:
1. Stress
Stress may be of different types but their repercussions are the same, viz., mental illness. One may feel stressed at the workplace or school, while the others may be stressed in a relationship, say marriage. There may also be stress due to an elongated or serious illness (of self or dear ones), an emotional contusion, or financial constraints.
2. Side-effects of medication
A medicine may cure a particular disease but it always comes with certain side effects and anxiety is one of them. Consistent use of thyroid and asthma drugs and even weight-loss supplements may increase the anxiety level of a person.
3. Thyroid Gland
Hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are important for regulating our metabolism and energy levels. However, its excessive secretion may show anxiety symptoms, like nervousness, breathlessness, sleeplessness, irritability, heart palpitations, etc.
4. Ailments like Obesity
There is a strong correlation between obesity and anxiety disorder. Thus it is recommended to use well-reputed Appetite suppressants, like the ones reviewed by HealthCareBusinessToday.
5. Lack of oxygen in certain circumstances
If you are at a pretty high altitude, you tend to become breathless due to a lack of oxygen. This may lead to anxiety.
6. Caffeine and illegitimate drugs
Constant and excessive consumption of caffeine and illegitimate drugs can also worsen the condition.
7. Cardiac problems
Research has proved that anxiety and depression are quite common in patients who are already suffering from cardiovascular problems, such as coronary artery disease. It has been found that 20-30% of patients experience high anxiety levels.
What are the symptoms of Anxiety and Depression?
It has been rightly said that knowing the symptoms of any disease is the first step to treating it. As far as anxiety and depression are concerned, there are two types of symptoms: one, which is self-diagnosable, and the other, noticeable by people. The comprehensive points are enumerated below-
(Anxiety)
unrestrained fear
intemperate worry
irritability
fatigue
muscle tension
lack of concentration
unwanted thoughts
restlessness
insomnia
(Depression)
helplessness
sadness
hopelessness
low self-esteem
guilt or worthlessness
loss of interest in everything
low energy levels
problem in concentration
suicidal thoughts
How to deal with it?
It has been found that 7 out of 10 adults report that workplace stress affects their personal relationships as well, mainly with their spouses. So, a delay in dealing with it is not justified. As per a survey by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, women are more likely to suffer anxiety and depression than men. Not only do men and women differ in intensity, but they differ in handling the situation too.
Where women prefer eating (46% against 27% of men) and socializing (44% against 21% of men) to manage job stress, men tend to have sex more frequently (19% against 10% of women) and consume illegitimate drugs (12% against 2% women).
There are certain common grounds too to handle the stress. It includes smoking, medication, consuming more caffeine and alcohol, workout, etc. These ways may relieve the patients from anxiety and/or depression but these surely put them in other danger. Some safer ways to deal with the situation can be
- Prescribed medications from the doctor,
- Herbs and supplements (the natural ways are far better to cope with it),
- Therapies (much more trendy and effective way),
- A slight change in lifestyle (getting proper nutrition, healthy diet, proper sleep, regular body workouts, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, etc.),
- Taking a break from your routine life,
- Meditation,
- Slowly counting down, and
- Talking to someone trustworthy.
What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
Cannabidiol is the second most active ingredient of cannabis, derived directly from the hemp plant. It is widely used in various forms (oils, pills, edibles, vapes, creams) in treating ailments like epilepsy, anxiety, pain, depression, muscle disorder, etc.
Is CBD helpful in fighting anxiety and depression?
Frankly speaking, there is nothing in our hands to support the claim, however, multiple studies and consumer feedback have reiterated that dosing on products like CBD Oil and CBD gummies is an effective way of treating anxiety and depression.
it’s just that there are no properly controlled clinical trials in this regard, and more research is required to prove the potential of CBD.
Most of the studies are conducted in the US to evaluate the effectiveness of CBD for disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, pain, alcohol use disorder, etc. for which results are awaited. If the users are surveyed, it was found that around half of them use it to reduce stress and anxiety, and recently Daniel at Healthcare Business Today released a list of top CBD oils for anxiety.
Science says that depression is inversely related to serotonin levels in the brain and researchers believe that CBD has the requisite potential to affect serotonin receptors. CBD may not essentially boost the serotonin levels but it can definitely affect the brain’s chemical receptors to respond to the serotonin that already exists in the body.
A study was conducted on animals in the year 2014 that helped to observe CBD’s tremendous impact on such receptors in the brain. It was found that the animals’ brains produced both antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects. This was seconded by yet another study in 2018 by an international organization. There is still a big room left for researchers to study the potential benefits of CBD oil.
How is it better than other antidepressant medications?
The research studies conducted, though lesser in number, suggest that CBD oil is a better alternative to edibles, pills, and other antidepressant medications. CBD oil has a very low-risk profile, resulting in nominal side effects. It can only cause a negative impact if taken in high doses.
Most antidepressant medications take several days or weeks to show an impact, whereas a 2019 study on animals found that CBD imposed a quick as well as sustained antidepressant-like effect. Antidepressants may cause certain side effects like insomnia, mood swings, agitation, sexual dysfunction, etc., but CBD doesn’t show such issues. It has been relatively found safe.
Does it cause any side effects?
As aforementioned, there are not too many human trials to judge it but as of now, it doesn’t seem to cause many side effects more sensitive people may experience diarrhea, fatigue, changes in weight, and the like. One can’t claim any major long-term side effects due to a lack of human trials. To be on the safer side and minimize the risk of side effects, consult your doctor before trying CBD oil for any ailment.
There is no universal dosage of it, it varies from person to person depending upon a lot of factors like body weight, individual body chemistry, the concentration of CBD in the oil, etc. Most human studies use dosages anywhere between 20 and 1,500 milligrams (mg) per day.
Where do I Buy CBD Oil for Anxiety?
You need to do intense research before picking the one for you. CBD oils are broadly available in dispensaries and even food stores in the places where these are legal. Look out for a reputable and trustworthy seller. Go for those seekers sellers who conduct third-party lab testing of their products. It’s recommended to buy the oil online as it’s easier and more convenient to check the public reviews regarding the products.
What are the things to be considered before buying CBD oil?
“It is highly advisable that you talk to people already taking CBD. Ask them what they are using CBD for and if it is helping them. Different brands are more effective for different ailments. Fabcbd has some good reviews for their CBD Oil amongst people suffering from Anxiety” According to TheCannabisRadar.
is better than its counterparts but not all oils are the same and equally good. You need to make an effort to find the right one for you.
It’s an all-natural solution for various ailments, so research properly for the one that caters to your needs the most. Two important things to consider are strength and concentration. Don’t forget to check the purity and volume of CBD oil.
Conclusion
So, the answer to it is a big ‘yes’ with pretty simple reasons. Easy applicability, quicker, and long-lasting effects with nominal side effects make CBD oil trending and popular among all persons without any age bar. Be vigilant while picking up the brand and don’t forget to consult your doctor before indulging any product in your routine.
