It is easy to confuse worry and anxiety. Worry is a normative psychological state that is temporary, while anxiety is anything but. Worry is also based on realistic issues and is specific. Worry can trigger problem solving.
If the experience is the exact opposite of these then it is not worry but anxiety. Anxiety requires intervention as it can severely affect your social and professional life.
Anxiety is a reaction to stress. Common signs of anxiety are muscle tension, headaches, stomach cramps, and frequent urination. In addition to these, panic attacks can come about. A panic attack is a hyper-reactivity to triggers. Symptoms can include palpitations, sweating, dizziness, shortness of breath, trembling among other symptoms.
Sure you can pursue standard methods of treatment through prescription medication, but could the cure for anxiety attacks actually be hidden in the overwhelmingly long list of cannabidiol (CBD) benefits? Let’s find out!
Why Panic Attacks Loom
There are many causes of anxiety and panic attacks. A good percentage of anxious people got it passed down to them from their family members. The younger anxiety symptoms surface, the higher the chance of it being genetic. There are biological and environmental factors too. But anxiety can also be caused by early trauma.
Lifestyle is a key factor in ensuring never-ending anxiety, as a fast paced life that never slows down could be the cause of your anxiety. Your body is simply unable to keep up and that causes stress. In this world, there are many things that could give one sleepless nights. The only way to avoid those is by not thinking about them too much, which is honestly easier said than done.
The Neurological Side of the Coin
The autonomic nervous system has two branches serving on opposite sides of the spectrum. The sympathetic part is the neurological defense force, it prepares the body for fight by activating glands. Blood is pumped to the muscles and brain thus raising your blood pressure, and the adrenal and thyroid glands prepare to run.
The parasympathetic part is responsible for relaxation and happy thoughts. One should aim for a balance of the two. Activation of the flight or fight part weakens it. This slows down your reaction time when there is reason for defense.
Self Treatment
Keeping both branches of the autonomic nervous system balanced and in check is not as easy as it sounds.
Sometimes you may lose your way to relaxation and peace. To find serenity again, you can start with a balanced diet and some exercise.
A proper diet will rejuvenate your body, while exercising will release a flood of endorphins. It will also keep one too tired to be anxious about things.
It is also prudent to have something like a hobby that brings you joy to help keep yourself occupied. In the process this will help keep your mind busy. It takes away the time that would otherwise be spend on negative thoughts and unsubstantiated worries.
Serious Intervention for the Treatment of Anxiety
Sometimes the above-mentioned remedies do nothing for the anxiety. In this case, a more aggressive measure is taken.
The measure can be either medication, psychotherapy or natural remedies such as CBD. Medication can be antidepressants or anxiolytic. In therapy, one is guided through the process of learning to reign in their fears and anxieties. Meditation, yoga, and acupuncture may be suggested to provide relief.
CBD for Panic Attacks
Cannabis sativa has a myriad of uses. Research has not even explored half of more than the 100 cannabinoid compounds contained in the plant.
If you aren’t already aware, there are two widely known cannabinoid compounds: THC and CBD.
THC is responsible for mental overstimulation and dramatic euphoria. In simpler words, it’s the cannabinoid that gets you high.
CBD or Cannabidiol on the other hand is mild and does not possess that power. In fact, it is said that high enough levels of CBD deter THC from being psychoactive by helping to reduce the effects of your high.
CBD has healing properties. Studies have shown evidence of the ability to improve arthritis and curb epilepsy seizures. CBD is also suspected to have anxiolytic properties. More research is needed but the results so far are in favor of that notion.
A study was carried that involved inducing stress on rats. They were given 30 mg/kg of CBD 2 hours after each daily stressor. Following the administration of CBD a more relaxed state was demonstrated in the rats.
CBD was seen to calm anxiety by involving the CB1 receptor and increasing the level of hippocampal anandamide.
The endocannabinoid interactions are responsible for the positive effect of CBD on panic attacks.
In Brazil, one group of people were given CBD infused pills before speaking publicly, while another group was given placebos.
The objective of the study was to determine whether CBD could be helpful in the management of fear of public speaking. The results were favorable. The placebo group had symptoms similar to those of a panic attack during the activity.
Important Pointers for Using CBD to Combat Panic Attacks
There are two rules for using CBD to combat panic attacks. The first, always start off in small doses especially if you have never used cannabidol before.
The second, observe consistency and increase gradually. The best way to take on a hill is to start in small steps, and from there one can increase the pace until a comfortable speed is achieved.
Before getting to this point, some questions are necessary before employing CBD to help. You should think about whether you are only worried or if it is true anxiety.
You also need to recognize a panic attack. While THC is known to be psychoactive, it can also work towards reducing anxiety.
If accessible in your state, you may also need to decide whether it is necessary to combine it with the CBD.
Whatever the case, a higher CBD than THC percentage is recommended. Legal restrictions are also an important factor to consider. But if you live in a state that does not have recreational or medical access to cannabis, then CBD products should be your go to option!
Suggestions for CBD Products
If you are looking for an alternative method of treating your anxiety in the form of cannabidiol, below you can find some of the most effect types of CBD products that can be used to treat your anxiety.
CBD Oil
This can be either delivered sublingually or infused into your food or drinks, such as through the use of a CBD tincture. This is an easy option for absorption of CBD into your system.
Under the tongue (sublingually) is a quick and fast acting option.
Tinctures are taken through the capillaries, sublingual glands, that is then absorbed and delivered straight into your blood stream.
In this case, bioavailability becomes a factor and CBD oil for panic attacks is incredibly effective.
Topicals and Edibles
To get the best results, you should apply the lotion on the lymph glands and bottom of the feet.
Users have reported calming down from a panic attack quickly with these types of cannabidiol products.
Fully maximize the benefits by using a product that is infused with lavender, such as the Lavender Koi hand & body lotion.
Lavender has some great relaxation properties, and when they are paired with CBD, it is simply genius and incredibly effective.
Snacks are great. They are even better when they serve a purpose like when they help keep panic attacks at bay. The effectiveness of the edible will be dependent on the concentration of CBD.
To determine the amount, you should consider the tolerance of your endocannabinoid system. But usually a great rule of thumb to follow is to always start low and then gradually increase the dose as needed. Did you know you can also easily make your own CBD infused edibles at home?
It’s important to note that oral consumption such as with the use of CBD edibles can take a bit more time for the effects of CBD to be felt, as it has to go through your digestive tract before being absorbed.