Mental health is an ever growing concern in the United States. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five American adults experiences mental illness every year. That is roughly 47 million people.

Most generalized mental health conditions like panic disorder, depression, anxiety order, and post-traumatic stress disorder are treated with SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) that should increase levels of serotonin in the brain. These medications are useful for some, but can also carry a load of side effects and varying results. Many people are seeking an alternative approach when it comes to mental health, something more holistic and natural.

What is CBD?

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is one of the many compounds found in hemp and sativa cannabis plants. CBD products have been in use for years in the health and wellness worlds, but are gaining more recent traction for mental health. CBD is the sometimes less known cousin of THC, the psychoactive portion of cannabis plants. Though the two are derived similarly, they are in-fact vastly different. CBD can be extracted and isolated from hemp and cannabis plants, which allows for a pure product without the chance for a “high.”

Though research is still emerging, this natural compound is thought to aid human and animal wellness in a variety of ways from anxiety to pain management. CBD interacts directly with the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, which manages the receptors transmitting to the brain. Because of this, CBD has been gaining exponential popularity for aiding in mental health.

CBD for Panic Attacks

A panic attack can be an intense episode of anxiety or fear, often accompanied by various physical symptoms ranging from increased heart rate to shortness of breath and much worse. There is research that identifies pathways to the brain that control these emotions and responses, which CBD can influence. There is some evidence supporting the use of CBD for panic attacks and anxiety, though more studies are necessary.

Current common treatments for panic attacks and panic disorders are prescribed medications, which can be moderately effective. There is a need for new treatments as not even half of people suffering from panic disorder solve their attacks with these prescribed SSRIs.

CBD has emerged as a popular choice for Americans looking for a better or more natural approach to chronic pain, sleep issues and anxiety. Because managing stress is an integral part of any mental health issue, CBD can be used to help. The interaction between cannabidiol and the ECS points to positive impacts on serotonin receptors in the brain. More specifically, the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS are found to be help control our emotions, pain management, inflammation, mood and behaviors. Some research shows that when CBD stimulates these receptors, it can lower someone’s level of anxiety and fear.

Takeaways

If you or someone you know is suffering from mental health issues, there is always an option for finding help. Consult your doctor or therapist. If you are seeking a natural alternative and option to help manage anxiety or panic attacks, CBD could be beneficial to you. It’s important to always turn to reliable sources when it comes to purchasing CBD. To compare reliable and lab-backed CBD products, check out the latest tested products from Real Tested CBD. Because the use of CBD for anxiety and panic disorders is optimistic, there are a number of companies on the market nowadays. Always look double check for label claims, purity, potency and third-party test results.