It is perfectly OK to feel anxious sometimes. We all do. Going through difficult stages in life can lead to increased stress and anxiety levels.
How do we know when a normal feeling of being nervous becomes an anxiety disorder?
Well, if that feeling becomes persistent, overwhelming and goes on for weeks, months, or even longer while interfering with everyday activities, it’s probably one of the common anxiety disorders.
As you know, anxiety does not come alone, but rather in the company of various physical symptoms, social anxiety, frequent panic attacks or phobias.
There are a number of ways of treating anxiety disorders.
Counseling with a therapist, especially participating in cognitive behavioural therapy has proven to be the most successful psychological treatment so far.
Also, there are a number of medications that are used to treat this disorder, like Xanax and Lorazepam.
Even though they’re extremely helpful in some cases, these medications tend to produce a number of unwanted side effects.
No one wants to feel restless, drowsy or dizzy, especially while being anxious. Weight gain, nausea, and vomiting are also some common side effects of anti-anxiety drugs.
Believe it or not, the secret remedy lies in no other than marijuana plant.
In fact, cannabidiol, or commonly known as CBD is a non-psychoactive chemical of cannabis which makes it perfect for daytime use.
As it turns out, CBD is widely used for reducing physical symptoms of anxiety and is proven to help patients get rid of their fears and phobias, all while boosting mood and the positive outlook on life.
To shed more light on the subject and get the better of anxiety, check out this in-depth infographic by Greencamp and find out more benefits of this incredible compound.
How exactly does CBD work on anxiety?
It is all thanks to the special physiological system in our own bodies, called the endocannabinoid system.
As a matter of fact, humans produce chemicals (endocannabinoids) that are very similar to the compounds found in marijuana (cannabinoids).
In that sense, our bodies have CB1 and CB2 receptors which are responsible for transmitting the cannabinoids to our brains.
CBD interacts with both of those receptors, and also another one — a serotonin receptor which regulates the mood, feelings of anxiety, sleep and many other bodily processes.
The research and patients experiences both showed that CBD can very much help in overcoming stage fright, as well as social anxiety.
Even the worst phobias and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be reduced with CBD treatment.
The good thing about CBD is that it is legal and it does not make users feel high (like when consuming high THC cannabis).
On the negative side, patients have to re-medicate every few hours in order to feel any positive effects.
Whether you are suffering from a mild or pathological form of anxiety, CBD could be just the right natural remedy you were looking for.
However, if you feel you are suffering from a more severe type of anxiety, we sincerely recommend you to consult your doctor first.