Anxiety, depression and mental health is a topic that has recently been brought to the forefront of health conversations by both the mainstream media and governments alike.

Statistics show 1 in 5 adults in America struggles with a form of mental illness. Where does CDB oil fit in this conversation?

Anxiety and depression are generated by chemical imbalances in the central nervous system as a response to stress. This involves the balancing of chemicals between 4 main neurotransmitters: GABA, dopamine and epinephrine and serotonin.

As you are probably aware, Serotonin is one of the main neurotransmitters targeted when looking to treat anxiety or depression because of its role in producing feelings of happiness and well-being. But when this is targeted with hard pharmaceuticals it often affects other neurotransmitters which can actually result in an increase of anxiety and a host of other rather unpleasant side-effects, depending on the individual.

As well as influencing anxiety-regulating receptors, recent research has shown that CBD may also reduce anxiety due to a reduction of blood flow to the Limbic System. This system is the area of the brain that has a distinct effect on our emotions and drives; good and bad.

In a study of individuals with Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder, it was shown that those who were given a dose of CBD before an activity that would usually cause them great anxiety, i.e. public speaking, showed significantly reduced symptoms of discomfort and anxiety.

Along with a wealth of anecdotal evidence posted online the general feeling is that CBD Oil does help toward keeping you more focused, less anxious and generally keeping a clearer head. An important observation in people’s experiences is that CBD oil isn’t an instant cure, rather a subtle help that enables you to cope with mental health issues and illness.

CBD Oil May Help Manage Stress

Managing stress is reportedly the most prominent benefit of CBD Oil. Underlining most anxiety disorders, stress can increase the negative effects of mental illnesses.

Stress triggers the “fight or flight mode” in the human body and when stressed, people experience a rise in blood pressure and heart rate along with dilated pupils. An excess of the stress hormone cortisol is produced which, by design, gives us the energy to combat a stressful experience.

Anxiety disorders develop when our bodies are perpetually in the fight or flight mode. This could be caused by common types of ongoing stress. For example, stress at work, with your relationship and/or family. When an individual is struggling with stress on top of a mental illness, they can experience aggravated symptoms, mania or panic attacks.

How does CBD Oil help?

As explained in ‘The Pain Relief Benefits of CBD Oil’, Cannabidiol stimulates the existing endocannabinoid system in your body. The system responsible for regulating sleep patterns, mood, appetite and more. When you take CBD Oil you are supplementing and backing up your naturally produced endocannabinoids, as well as other hormones that may make the body feel calm. It may also aid the body out of the ‘fight or flight’ mode state and back into homeostasis.

With the potential to calm the body, CBD Oil may help people with anxiety disorders by preventing or alleviating panic attacks and using it as a tool to manage stress in general.

CBD May Help Cognitive Function

Most mental health conditions, such as depression, are a result of chemical imbalance in the brain whereas some mental illness can directly impact one’s neurology. A regular intake of CBD may actually improve cognitive function, this study shows.

As well as interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD cannabinoids stimulate the body’s central nervous system. Acting as a potential stimulant for healthy nerve function and healthy firing and interaction of neurons, people with mental health problems may experience increased levels of rational thinking and a clearer mind.

Furthermore, anecdotal evidence claims CBD Oil gives one a greater sense of self-awareness which can be positively effective for those who feel at the mercy of their mental health condition.

Manage Sleeping Patterns and Digestion

A major impact Mental illnesses can have is the damaging effect on regulatory processes such as sleep cycles and digestion. For example, people with depression may sleep too much or not enough.

Sleep’s value is in the fact that it allows our body to repair, heal, regenerate and process emotions to aid physical and mental functions. Hence, disrupted sleep cycles lead to a plethora of issues relating to mood imbalance, social issues and eating habits. These problems on top of an existing mental health problem can lead to worse conditions.

CBD Oil could potentially benefit mental health in this way too, by regulating sleep patterns and promoting longer periods of uninterrupted sleep.

Mental Health: Benefits of CBD Oil

People’s lives are affected by Mental Illness every day and directly impacts their relationships, social habits, careers and life in general. Although there are advances in pharmaceutical medication for most illnesses, this form of treatment may have unwanted side effects encouraging people to seek alternatives and remedies that work alongside pharmaceutical solutions. And CBD Oil could be that choice. It may hold the ability to effectively help people manage their mental illness symptoms and improve daily experiences. From the potential to relieve stress to regulating sleep patterns, CBD Oil may help you in managing your own, or a loved one’s mental health issue.