In this article, we will look at how CBD oil could help manage the symptoms of mental illness and promote better physical and mental health.
How Common are Mental Illnesses in America?
According to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) statistics, one in five Americans is currently living with a mental illness, and as many 1 in 25 Americans will experience mental health problems serious enough to limit life activities.
Depression and anxiety disorders are by far the most common mental health problems in the USA, affecting some 40 million adults every year. “Anxiety disorders” is an umbrella term that can include conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, and more.
Can CBD Oil Help Combat Mental Illnesses?
Given the prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders in the US, it’s not surprising that one of the most common questions people have about hemp oil is “can CBD oil help anxiety?”
We go into more detail on how CBD oil could help combat anxiety-related symptoms in a recent blog post, but the short answer on CBD for depression and anxiety is: it could help.
CBD Oil for Anxiety and Depression: How it Works
A 2017 human study showed that, in a simulated stressful situation, a single 300mg dose of CBD oil had a noticeable effect on stress and panic levels. A recent study on CBD for social anxiety supported these findings too, showing that people with social phobias felt noticeably calmer after taking a 600mg dose of CBD.
Scientists believe that the main way CBD can help with depression and anxiety is by interacting with receptors in the body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Among many other important jobs, the ECS helps to regulate hormone levels in the body, including cortisol, the “stress hormone,” and serotonin, the “happy hormone”.
When CBD interacts with the ECS, it helps to promote the production of serotonin and limit the production of cortisol, allowing us to feel happier and less stressed. Many other conventional treatments for anxiety also work by regulating cortisol and serotonin.
While more studies are being carried out on how CBD oil can help to combat the symptoms of depression and anxiety, anecdotal evidence shows that it really could help. If you want to know more about where CBD comes from and how it affects our bodies, check out our Learn page.
CBD Oil for All-Round Health
Of course, CBD oil is not a miracle cure for anxiety, depression, or any other mental illness. With that being said, in addition to helping to alleviate symptoms, it can also have a positive effect on other areas of our lives, all of which can make living with a mental illness easier.
One of the most common uses for hemp oil is in the form of CBD for sleep. It is common knowledge that getting high-quality sleep consistently is very important for our mental health, yet ironically, many people with mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety disorders, report disrupted or unhealthy sleep patterns as a symptom. The good news is that CBD has been proven to help promote deeper, healthier sleep.
Exercise is another key to keeping our bodies and minds healthy, and most doctors promote moderate exercise as a way to heal from mental illness. However, for people who have experienced an injury or who suffer from chronic pain, getting enough exercise can be challenging. With its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil for chronic pain and recovery is an increasingly recognized remedy and has helped people to begin exercising again, from walking the dog to .
Are PurePower Products Right For Me?
At PurePower we strongly believe in the power of an all-natural wellness lifestyle, complemented by full-spectrum CBD oil and botanical extracts.
Despite what some sites may claim, CBD oil is not a cure-all, whether for mental illness or any other condition. However, in addition to alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression, it could help to improve many different areas of our lives, from sleep quality to stress management to exercise routines, all of which can contribute to feeling happier and more relaxed.
