Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are among the most common reasons people turn to CBD Hemp oil.
According to statistics, 1 out of 7 Australians will experience depression at some point in their life, with the figure increasing to 1 out 4 for anxiety conditions (including PTSD). As such, CBD oil and other CBD products have the potential to help millions of people.
Although more research needs to be done, there’s mounting evidence that CBD can improve both anxiety and mood disorders. In this article, we’ll go over the research findings and explain the best way to use CBD to boost your mental well-being.
How CBD Can Help With Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD
Most of the beneficial effects of CBD come from its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
This key system helps maintain an optimal state of balance in the body called homeostasis. To achieve this, the ECS regulates major processes, including stress, anxiety, mood, sleep, pain, appetite, and digestion.
CBD helps support endocannabinoid system function by elevating the levels of endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced by our own bodies).
Aside from that, CBD has also been shown to support brain neurotransmitters (messenger chemicals) involved in healthy brain function. Most importantly, research has shown that CBD can stimulate the serotonin receptor. Serotonin dysfunction has been implicated in both anxiety disorders and depression.
CBD has also been found to interact with the receptors of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety by slowing brain cell activity.
Research Evidence
Studies show that CBD has both anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and antidepressant effects. As a result, researchers are hopeful about its potential to help with everything from depression and anxiety to more serious conditions such as PTSD.
Anxiety
There’s a good deal of research backing CBD’s ability to reduce anxiety. Most notably, a 2011 study done in Brazil demonstrated that CBD lowered anxiety caused by public speaking in 24 social anxiety disorder (SAD) sufferers.
In addition, a 2019 study out of Colorado reported notable improvements after CBD treatment in 72 people suffering from anxiety and sleep issues. The researchers concluded that “Cannabidiol may hold benefit for anxiety-related disorders.”
There are also many more animal studies backing CBD’s anti-anxiety effects.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
CBD may also relieve PTSD, which is considered a specific type of anxiety disorder. Most notably, a 2019 study of 11 PTSD sufferers found that the addition of CBD to standard psychiatric therapy helped reduce the symptoms of this debilitating condition, including nightmares.
Furthermore, the researchers who wrote a 2015 review paper of CBD’s anti-anxiety effects, concluded that “existing preclinical evidence strongly supports CBD as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.”
Depression
Although the evidence for CBD’s antidepressant properties is not as strong and limited to animal studies, researchers are optimistic about its potential to treat this common mental condition.
For example, a 2016 study found that CBD resulted in rapid antidepressant effects in mice. Similar findings have been reported by many other studies.
In addition, the researchers seem to agree that CBD’s antidepressant qualities are the result of its effects on serotonin.
Using CBD Oil for Mental Health
The available research evidence seems to suggest that CBD can help with depression, anxiety, and even difficult-to-treat disorders such as PTSD. But what is the best way to use CBD to support your mental health?
Despite the ever-growing variety of CBD products, tried-and-true CBD oil tinctures remain the most effective way to deal with most health concerns.
In particular, Australians should opt for whole-plant CBD tinctures to help with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and related issues.
We recommend the full-spectrum CBD oil from Good Alternatives. To read customer testimonials, you can do so either on the website or on our Facebook page.
Full-spectrum hemp CBD oils contain all of hemp’s cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial phytochemicals. These natural compounds work together in synergy, producing greater effects than CBD by itself. This means full-spectrum CBD oil is more effective than tinctures made with pure CBD (isolate).
As for CBD oil dosage, there are too many factors to suggest the ideal amount that will work for everyone.
If you’re new to CBD, we recommend starting with low doses and increasing over the first few weeks as part of an initial trial and error period. Do this until you find the right dosage that gives you the desired level of relief.