Can CBD For Anxiety UK Help?
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems – it affects around 19 million adults in the UK. Many people manage it with a range of techniques, including relaxation, exercise and dietary changes, while others seek alternative ways to help them cope such as meditation and mindfulness. Some also take supplements to support their treatment, such as CBD.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound that's found in the cannabis (hemp) plant. It doesn't have the psychoactive ingredient known as THC that gives you a 'high' feeling when you smoke or use a medicinal product that contains it, and so is legal in the UK. It's usually combined with other ingredients to create oil or cream, and is available to buy in health food stores.
The way CBD helps with anxiety isn't fully understood, but it seems to interact with receptors in the brain that are responsible for regulating fear and anxiety-induced behaviours. In particular, it appears to influence the activity of a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which plays an important role in mood and can lower anxiety levels.
Other existing treatments for anxiety include antidepressants such as SSRIs or SNRIs, which change the chemistry in your brain and increase levels of the 'happy hormone' serotonin. They can work well for some people, but they can have side-effects including drowsiness and agitation. Benzodiazepines are another option, but they're often used only as a last resort because they can be addictive and have serious side-effects, including confusion and memory loss.
More recently, there's been a boom in CBD products, with many people reporting that they can help ease their anxiety. However, there's little regulation on the market and it can be difficult to know which brands to trust. Generally speaking, it's advisable to avoid products that aren't independently verified as being safe and effective.
Canamis can't offer medical advice, but we do have lots of customers who tell us that CBD has helped them overcome their anxiety. They've tried a number of different products, from capsules to creams, and have found that a combination of approaches works best for them. This can include reducing stress levels, delegating tasks at home and trying meditation or mindfulness.
There's no cure for anxiety, but managing your lifestyle and incorporating some stress-relieving activities can make a big difference. Talking to your GP can also be a good idea, as they'll be able to advise on other treatments that may be more appropriate for you. They might recommend guided self-help or cognitive behavioural therapy, or they might suggest medication such as a benzodiazepine, which can be habit-forming but is effective for some people with anxiety. If they do suggest medication, it's always worth checking that it doesn't interfere with any dietary supplements you might be taking. You'll need to be particularly careful if you take blood thinners that come with a warning about grapefruit, because CBD can slow the breakdown of those medications.CBD For Anxiety UK