Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is arguably the most life-threatening anxiety disorder. That’s mainly due to the severity of the symptoms it presents.
Fortunately, the condition is manageable and even treatable using various natural interventions, such as cannabidiol (CBD). High-quality CBD Genesis THC pills can help mediate PTSD and its associated complications. More on that later on.
First, let’s start by familiarizing ourselves with PTSD and how the condition comes about.
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly abbreviated as PTSD, is an anxiety disorder triggered by terrifying events.
Most people who experience frightening events usually recover from the trauma sooner or later. But if the events keep replaying in your mind for several months or years, you could be deemed as having PTSD.
What Causes PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder mainly results from experiencing, witnessing, or learning about terrifying events. These are primarily occurrences that involve gruesome deaths, sexual violations, or severe injuries.
Common events that may trigger PTSD include;
- Grievous accidents
- Combat exposure
- Childhood physical abuse
- Physical assault (with or without a deadly weapon)
- Robbery (with or without violence)
- Exposure to sexual violence, especially as a child
- Terrorist attacks
- Kidnapping and torture
- Hostage situations
- Life-threatening medical diagnosis
- Environmental factors, such as infernos and natural disasters
What Are The Symptoms Of PTSD?
Flashbacks and nightmares are the primary symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Some people may also experience severe anxiety and mood disorders.
Other tell-tale signs of post-traumatic stress disorder include;
- Avoidance (of people in general or places and subjects that remind one of the traumatizing events)
- Self-sabotaging thoughts, such as overwhelming feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem
- Self destructive Behavior, such as drug and substance abuse
- Feelings of pessimism and despondency
- Reduced interest in activities one previously enjoyed
- Inability to forge meaningful social connections
- Memory and attention problems
- Speaking and learning difficulties
- Insomnia
PTSD symptoms can vary in nature and severity. Primary triggers include being in the presence or vicinity of the person, object, or place where the trauma was experienced.
Other risk factors included stress, certain personality traits (such as being irritable), and hereditary mental conditions.
How Might CBD Treat PTSD?
Cannabidiol is widely prescribed for treating numerous anxiety and mood disorders. Therefore, it’s logical to infer that the compound might also help relieve post-traumatic stress disorder.
Cannabidiol fights anxiety by increasing the body’s signaling of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in promoting mental health. CBD affects serotonin levels the same way as a class of conventional anxiety medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). But unlike regular SSRIs, CBD doesn’t trigger severe adverse effects.
Another way CBD might combat anxiety is by inhibiting cortisol. Cortisol is an important hormone known to trigger fight-or-flight responses during moments of intense anxiety. However, too much of this hormone can induce various adverse effects, including irritability. Note that CBD doesn’t block cortisol production completely. The compound only ensures your body secretes and utilizes cortisol effectively.
What Does Research Say?
Not only is cannabidiol effective against anxiety in general. Numerous studies indicate that the compound may also address post-traumatic stress disorder.
Like most PTSD treatments, CBD treats the condition by easing some of its core symptoms. A 2019 literature review of preexisting studies found that CBD may treat PTSD by reducing the occurrence of flashbacks and nightmares.
An earlier study indicates that drugs that affect the endocannabinoid system may reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms. The endocannabinoid system is a cell-modulatory system that regulates numerous vital functions, including maintaining emotional stability. The system contains an extensive network of receptors that cannabidiol interacts with. So, by affecting the endocannabinoid system, researchers concluded that CBD might play a role in suppressing intrusive memories from traumatic events.
Additional findings published on the Frontiers in Neuroscience suggest that cannabidiol may diminish the hyperactivity of the hippocampus and amygdala. These are two regions of the brain noted for aggravating PTSD symptoms.
Moreover, CBD may inhibit the brain’s formation of PTSD memories and relieve sleep disorders resulting from the condition.
Other Ways to Treat PTSD
There are other methods to manage post-traumatic stress disorder besides using cannabidiol. Examples include;
Hit the Gym
Exercise is a proactive way of combating anxiety, mood disorders, and low self-esteem.
Therefore, following a daily workout schedule might help ease some of PTSD is most problematic symptoms.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Exercise and healthy dieting usually go hand in hand. That also appears to be the case when addressing post-traumatic stress disorder.
Research has proven that the quality and quantity of food you eat can impact your anxiety levels. Mentally stimulating foods like coffee are especially notorious for worsening feelings of anxiety.
As you practice mindful dieting, also be sure to stay hydrated. Adequate water intake can also help decrease anxiety levels for people with PTSD.
Try Yoga
Yoga can promote blood circulation while also relieving stress and anxiety. That makes it a potential treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Consider pairing it with mindfulness meditation to make the most of yoga’s PTSD benefits. Studies have shown that meditation and other alternative practices may help treat PTSD.
Also, Read;- 6 Effective Ways to Get Riddance from Anxiety
Wrap Up
As with all anxiety disorders, early interventions can manage post-traumatic stress disorder more effectively. So, it’s essential to consult your doctor immediately after you’ve been exposed to traumatic events, even if you’re yet to display any signature PTSD symptoms.