Anxiety and stress are common problems that affect millions of people worldwide. Both conditions can be debilitating, affecting a person’s mental and physical health, and reducing their quality of life. The good news is that there are ways to manage anxiety and stress, and CBD has emerged as a promising natural remedy.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. It is a natural response to stress or a perceived threat, but when it becomes chronic, it can interfere with daily activities and significantly reduce a person’s quality of life.
In the UK, anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting an estimated 5-19% of the population. Around 8.2 million people in the UK were reported to have experienced anxiety in 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic being a significant contributing factor.
Symptoms of anxiety include nervousness, restlessness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and hyperventilation. Chronic anxiety can also cause sleep problems, digestive issues, and irritability.
What is Stress?
Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension resulting from external or internal pressure. Stress can be acute, such as when you encounter a dangerous situation, or it can be chronic, such as when you experience ongoing financial or work-related pressure.
Around 74% of adults in the UK reported feelings of overwhelm or unable to cope at some point in the last year. In 2020, the Health and Safety Executive reported that stress, depression, or anxiety accounted for 51% of all work-related ill health cases in the UK, with an estimated 17.9 million working days lost due to stress, anxiety, or depression.
Stress affects everyone differently, but common symptoms include headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Chronic stress can lead to more severe health problems, including anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease.
How Can CBD Help With Anxiety and Stress?
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. It is non-intoxicating and non-addictive, making it an attractive alternative to traditional anxiety and stress medications.
CBD works by interacting with the body’s Endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates various physiological processes, including mood, stress response, and sleep. CBD helps to balance the ECS by increasing the production of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood, and reducing the production of cortisol, a stress hormone.
Research suggests that CBD can help alleviate anxiety and stress symptoms. In a 2019 study, participants with anxiety and sleep disorders reported significant improvements in their symptoms after taking CBD for one month. Another study found that CBD reduced anxiety in public speaking situations, which is a common anxiety trigger.
CBD can also help with stress-related conditions, such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. In a 2017 study, CBD reduced blood pressure in healthy participants and patients with high blood pressure.
Final Thoughts
Anxiety and stress are common problems that affect millions of people worldwide. CBD has emerged as a promising natural remedy, offering an alternative to traditional anxiety and stress medications. CBD works by interacting with the body’s Endocannabinoid system, helping to balance mood, stress response, and sleep.
