Anyone who struggles with an anxiety disorder such as social anxiety and panic attacks will understand how consuming and negative the effects of having to interact with large groups of people can be. Like with post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder seems like the ground is going to swallow you up, your heart starts racing at a million miles an hour and you often find yourself tripping over your words while trying to avoid eye contact at all costs. In extreme cases, this disorder can cause people to become complete recluses, as even going out to the grocery store can seem like hell on earth.
Most people want to overcome social anxiety, but few people want to admit that they are prescribed medication and thus avoid a visit to the doctor at all costs. There are also more people who are becoming aware of the potentially harmful effects of anti-anxiety medications, not to mention the fact that they are usually highly addictive, with horrendous withdrawal symptoms if you do not stick to your daily dose. When it comes to benzodiazepines (the type of medication that is commonly prescribed to combat anxiety) missing even a single dose can actually send your anxiety through the roof, to levels that you never even thought was possible.
This is exactly why people are turning to the benefits of CBD to help ease the unbearable symptoms of social anxiety. It isn’t addictive, it doesn’t have any side-effects, and, best of all, you won’t feel sluggish or spaced out—an important factor to consider if you have an active lifestyle or a job that requires you to be alert and productive for long hours each day.
How Can CBD Oil Ease Social Anxiety?
When we think of taking cannabis to ease symptoms of stress, panic, or post-traumatic stress, we automatically imagine a group of stoners sitting around a campfire singing Kumbayah, while passing a spliff around the circle. And while it is true that many people enjoy a joint to ease the symptoms of stress, smoking marijuana still remains illegal in many states across the US (even after clinical trials), not to mention the fact that smoking cannabis during your lunch break at work is not exactly going to make you very productive. Fortunately, we don’t have to worry about dealing with the side effects of THC (the component in marijuana that gets you high) because, thanks to cannabidiol or CBD oil from the cannabis plant, you will only experience the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids and you won’t have to worry about having to be permanently stoned just to be able to go out in public. Studies have revealed that CBD products like CBD oil and hemp oil as treatment have powerful abilities when it comes to reducing social anxiety and evidence suggests that the oil actually diminishes the negative and noticeable psychoactive effects of THC. As well as treating anxiety disorder, it can also help reduce the symptoms of illnesses like Parkinson’s disease, Dravet syndrome, depression, cognitive impairment, and overall mental health*. The effects of cannabidiol work through boosting the signal of serotonin receptors, which helps to release positive endorphins while reducing anxiety.
*The fda has still not tested CBD enough to verify these claims
Why Choose CBD Instead of Anti-Depressants?
Simply put, the effects of CBD replicate traditional SSRI´s (anti-depressants that are commonly prescribed to help overcome anxiety) and it is tolerated by almost everyone. Those of you who have been prescribed medications for anxiety and depression in the past will be all too familiar with the negative side effects they can have. What works for some people, is not effective in others and in some cases, anti-anxiety medications can actually make you even more anxious! Thanks to the studies that have already been published on CBD and how it can be used to treat social anxiety, we now know that it can effectively alleviate anxiety, with no side effects and it is 100% natural.
One of the biggest problems with chemical-based products is that with extended use they can cause damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys and usually, our bodies build up a tolerance to the dosage we are prescribed. This means that over time, the medication will become less effective and we will need to take more of it. The opposite is true of products made with CBD, and while further research is needed to pinpoint the exact doses we should be taking, many people report being able to lower their dosage as time passes. This is because it is making lasting changes to our body’s responses to our environment and our ability to process and deal with stress.
CBD Can Heal the Root Cause of Social Anxiety
Many people are unaware of the fact that anxiety can be caused by underlying ailments like pain, insomnia, and hormonal imbalance. CBD oil is different to traditional anti-anxiety meds because it doesn’t just provide a quick fix to inhibit the surface feelings of anxiety as and when they arise, it works at a much deeper level and heals a whole range of imbalances in our bodies. It improves brain function, helps healthy cells regenerate and has been proven to destroy “sick” cells. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you would prefer to just mask your feelings of anxiety every time you go out or if you want to make a lasting internal change.
Final Thoughts
As we mentioned earlier in this article, there is still more research needed to prove the exact efficacy of CBD oil on conditions like anxiety in comparison to traditional meds. Before then, the mainstream media and Big Pharma will continue to promote the medications that are already being distributed to patients. However, the essential components are already there. CBD has already been proven not to be harmful in any way, it is not addictive, it doesn’t come with any negative side effects and you have nothing to lose by giving it a try, especially in light of the fact that there are so many people testify that it DOES work with regards to anxiety and other serious conditions. If you are in doubt and you live in a state where CBD has been legalized, then you should be able to consult a medical professional for their recommendation of the dosage you should start with. If not, then you will be able to obtain further advice from a reputable dispensary that sells cannabis-based products.
If you’d like to learn more about CBD and the different products available that contain this amazing supplement, come by Thrive Hemp Store today! We have the largest selection of CBD products in E. Brainerd with some of the best prices too! Our knowledgeable and friendly staff can help you determine which product would work best for you, and our clean, peaceful location (inside of Thrive Yoga and Wellness is a peaceful environment sure to help you feel at ease.
This article by Madeleine Taylor is originally published at SundayScaries.