Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, more commonly called PTSD, is a mental health issue that affects some people after witnessing or experiencing a horrible event. A car accident, sexual assault, war combat, and natural disasters are common causes of the troubling emotional disorder. Fortunately, a number of alternative therapies are showing remarkable promise when it comes to treating PTSD.
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
When PTSD is brand new, the patient may find it difficult or even impossible to perform activities of daily living such as going to work or school, or spending quality time with loved ones. They may feel edgy, tense, and nervous. When the condition does not resolve itself after a few weeks, it may be time to speak with a mental health professional about PTSD treatment options.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can happen to anyone at any age, and it’s not a sign of mental weakness. Various factors contribute to the severity of PTSD. If a person has been physically injured or assaulted, their chances of developing post-stress syndromes are increased exponentially, notes the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs . Age, gender, and prior trauma may contribute to PTSD, especially in persons who do not have a good social support network in place.
Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Persons with PTSD tend to relive traumatic events over and over. This re-experiencing of trauma is termed a ‘flashback’ and it can happen at any time. Persons with PTSD may have an overwhelming desire to avoid situations that remind them of their trauma. They may avoid talking about the event to anyone. PTSD may cause a person to hold onto negative beliefs and hard feelings. They may believe the world is dangerous and find it difficult to experience the joy of any sort. They may drive recklessly, use drugs and alcohol to excess, or show other irresponsible, dangerous behavior. Headaches and panic attacks are typical symptoms that may be reduced by judicious employment of cannabinoid and CBD therapies. Learn more from Imbue Botanicals .
Symptoms of hypervigilance and arousal may intensify emotions in persons with PTSD. A normally careful driver may become too aggressive when in the throes of the disorder. Irrational outbursts are common to persons with PTSD, advise trauma experts at WebMD . An inability to focus and sensations of impending danger are typical of post-traumatic stress disorder as are sleep problems and nightmares.
What is CBD and how can it help PTSD
Some of the non-psychoactive compounds found in the stalks, seeds, and flowers of the Cannabis plants are classified as cannabinoids or CBD. These compounds offer much in the way of anxiety relief for some patients who are overwhelmed with symptoms of PTSD. Animal studies have shown cannabinoid to be effective in alleviating the intense freeze reaction prey animals experience in response to a nearby predator.
The literature strongly suggests that medical marijuana use can decrease signs and symptoms of PTSD. Neurobiological evidence indicates that cannabinoids and CBD may ease a number of mental conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans and the civilian population alike.
Marijuana as medicine
Scientists now know about a system in the human brain that responds to 60 or more chemicals that naturally occur in the cannabis, or marijuana plant. This “endocannabinoid system” plays a vital role in many body functions, including cardiac health, endocrine balance, the immune system, and the human reproductive system. Today, a number of beneficial medicines are made from hemp, including drugs used to treat seizure disorders, schizophrenia, and Tourette’s syndrome, explains the National Institutes of Health .
Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and chronic pain are now treated with medical cannabis in states that allow the controversial medication. It is worth noting that CBD medications such as the ones found at Im-Bue Botanicals are crafted from organically grown US industrial hemp that is virtually free of psychoactive qualities.
If you or someone you love is dealing with the discomfort of post-traumatic stress, speak with a healthcare professional about the benefits of medical marijuana and cannabinoid CBD therapy. If you are currently taking prescribed medication, don’t stop taking it without the expressed consent of your doctor.
Amelie Bell practices holistic healing methods and loves to help others heal and feel well. She also enjoys writing about her experiences on a variety of wellness and medical blogs.
