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Relax: How CBD Can Reduce Anxiety

Written by Julie Godard

Do you ever have the feeling that things just aren’t right? Are you in tears over a job interview or a party?

Stress over a job interview or other important event is normal. Being so terrified you can’t go is not. This feeling is known as anxiety, and many people suffer from it. Let’s discuss anxiety, and how CBD can help reduce it.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders cause consistent fears and worries that do not go away and can worsen over time. Anxiety can stop you from enjoying activities, holding down a job, maintaining relationships, and succeeding in school. There are seven diagnosable anxiety disorders, plus substance-induced anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and disorders caused by trauma and stress.  The seven types of anxiety are:

  • Separation Anxiety Disorder
  • Selective Mutism
  • Specific Phobias
  • Social Anxiety Disorder
  • Panic Disorder
  • Agoraphobia
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder

What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

The main symptom of anxiety is excessive fear, an emotional response to real or perceived threats; it causes negative emotional and behavioral issues. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by repetitive, intrusive thoughts about cleanliness enough or appearance, causing excessive hand washing or constant dieting. Trauma- or stressor-related anxiety is a response to traumatic events or high stress situations such as violence, abuse, divorce, or death of a loved one.

What Causes Anxiety?

Most anxiety goes away over time; unfortunately, some does not, and seeking help from a medical professional will help you find out what is causing yours. Another common cause of anxiety is post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), a disorder diagnosed due to wartime experiences,violence, or abuse.

How is Anxiety Treated?

Treatment for anxiety disorders include psychotherapy, medications, and complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies, which can often be combined. Counseling, psychotherapy (including cognitive behavioral therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy), and medicines (antidepressants, beta blockers, and benzodiazepines) have proven helpful.

How Can CBD Reduce Anxiety?

CAM therapies teach people to manage stress, meditate, and practice yogal. Neurostimulation, acupuncture, and psychoactive drugs have helped some people in studies. CBD is not psychoactive, and has fewer side effects than antidepressants and beta blockers (if any at all). CBD links enhances the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), so is less invasive than pharmaceuticals, and can be used with psychotherapy methods to reduce anxiety.

If you have anxiety, you are not alone: it is a very common mental illness, and over 264 million people suffer from it all over the world. If you think you have anxiety, the first step is to contact a medical professional and find out what your options are. Ask your physician or nurse about CBD, or look online to find out what your options are. Life is too short to suffer from anxiety and avoid doing the things you love.

[Image Credit: Pixabay]

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About the author

Julie Godard