Mental health issues are a growing concern in the United States. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five American adults suffers from mental illness each year. That’s about 47 million people.
Most prevalent mental health conditions, such as phobias, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, should be treated with an SSRI (5-hydroxytryptamine reuptake inhibitor), a drug that increases the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the brain.
These medications work for some people, but can also bring about a large number of side effects and altered outcomes. Many people seek alternatives in mental health, which is a more holistic and natural approach.
What is CBD?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant.CBD products have been used in the health and wellness field for years, but are gaining more and more attention in mental health.CBD is a sometimes little-known cousin of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. Although the two are derived in similar ways, they are actually quite different. CBD can be extracted and isolated from cannabis and the cannabis plant, resulting in a pure product without the risk of “getting high”.
Although research is still emerging, it is believed that this natural compound can help human and animal health in a variety of ways, from anxiety to pain management. CBD interacts directly with the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, which governs the receptors that are delivered to the brain. As a result, CBD has gained exponential popularity in helping with mental health.
CBD for panic attacks
A panic attack can be an intense anxiety or fear attack, often accompanied by a variety of physical symptoms, from a rapid heart rhythm to shortness of breath or worse. Some studies have identified brain pathways that control these emotions and reactions, and CBD can affect these pathways. Although more research is necessary, there is some evidence to support the use of CBD for panic attacks (phobias) and anxiety disorders.
The current common treatment for panic attacks and phobias is prescribing medication, which may be moderately effective. But new treatments are needed because fewer than half of phobics have even had their panic attacks resolved by these prescribed SSRIs.
CBD has become a popular option for Americans seeking a better or more natural way to treat chronic pain, sleep problems and anxiety disorders. Because managing stress is an integral part of any mental health issue, CBD can be used to help. The interaction between cannabidiol and ECS demonstrates its positive effects on serotonin receptors in the brain.
More specifically, CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS were found to help control our mood, pain management, inflammation, emotions and behavior. Several studies have shown that when CBD stimulates these receptors, it can reduce people’s anxiety and fear levels.
Highlights
If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health problem, there are always options for seeking help. Consult your doctor or therapist. If you are looking for a natural option to help control anxiety or panic attacks, then CBD may be beneficial to you. When purchasing CBD, be sure to seek a reliable source. Since the use of CBD for anxiety and panic attacks is optimistic, there are many companies on the market today. Always double check label claims, purity, potency and third party test results.