As coronavirus, or COVID-19, continues to ravage the globe, it has led to all kinds of economic insecurity, health worries, and cancellations. If you already suffer from anxiety, it’s only natural that this pandemic may have worsened your physical and mental well-being.
However, there are plenty of ways you can naturally soothe yourself. You don’t have to rely on costly, side-effect inducing over the counter medicines in order to find relief from anxiety.
Instead, you might just want to consider CBD for post-pandemic anxiety management.
What are the Benefits of CBD?
CBD is a natural compound derived from the cannabis plant. It has a variety of benefits.
The plant itself produces more than 100 different phytocannabinoids, of which CBD is only one (another famous cannabinoid is THC, which is known for its high-inducing effects).
CBD has an indirect effect on your own body’s endocannabinoid system. It is non-intoxicating, so it won’t make you high. However, it is used in all kinds of products, including CBD oil, CBD-infused coffee, salves, and more. In the United States, CBD is completely legal to use under the 2018 Farm Bill.
CBD has been shown to provide relief for a wide range of medical conditions. In fact, it is being approved as a treatment for epilepsy. Although formal medical research is limited at this time, many people use CBD to get relief from insomnia, headaches, pain, and anxiety as well-explained in this article from AmericanMarijuana.
Panic Related to COVID-19
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why COVID-19 might make you a little bit nervous. COVID-19 causes all kinds of unclear symptoms in its sufferers and can lead to severe health consequences, including pneumonia and even death.
COVID-19 is particularly devastating for people who are older than 70 years of age as well as those who suffer from pre-existing health conditions. If you fall into either one of these demographics, or if you have loved ones who do, that can be incredibly stressful.
Not only that, but there’s the economic and social burden of COVID-19 to deal with, too. Fake news has been spreading as fast as lightning, with many people relying on social media for information instead of the mainstream media. It can be challenging to know what, exactly, to believe.
Are You Suffering From Anxiety?
If you’re suffering from anxiety, you might have a variety of telltale symptoms. Usually, it’s pretty easy to tell if it’s anxiety and not some of the condition. You’ll have extensive fear, worry, tension, and nervousness, and you might also have an increased heart rate.
You could be breathing rapidly, sweating, shivering, or just feeling overly tired. You might be unable to concentrate and suffer from eating and sleeping problems, too.
If you fall into a certain risk category, you may be more likely to suffer from anxiety as a result of this pandemic, too. You may be reacting more strongly if you are a healthcare provider, if you already have a mental health condition, or if you are at teenager.
Treating Anxiety with CBD
Although it’s always important to get your doctor’s clearance before you attempt any kind of medical treatment, there are several ways in which CBD can help to alleviate anxiety.
It’s been proven to relieve a variety of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more.
In fact, a 2019 study showed that up to 80% of people who were given small doses (25 milligrams) of CBD a day for three months felt an improvement in anxiety.
It works in a simple fashion. CBD engages with your body’s endocannabinoid and regulates anxiety by quieting the stress signals and easing neural activity in your brain. It also helps to control the hormones that are responsible for moderating your body’s natural stress response.
Not only that, but anxiety can cause all kinds of other secondary health conditions, including pain and inflammation. If you suffer from these symptoms when you’re feeling stressed, CBD might be able to help there, too.
Consider Using CBD to Ease Your Anxiety
Of course, there are plenty of other steps you should be taking to avoid coronavirus, including avoiding crowds and engaging in good personal hygiene. However, if you find that you’re suffering from anxiety as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, CBD could be a good treatment to help you get through the panic and fear of the times.
Consider giving it a try, but make sure you consult with a healthcare professional if you are feeling overwhelmed with the latest changes.