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Stress and anxiety are real challenges affecting numerous individuals worldwide. A particularly concerning group is young people, where treatment-resistant anxiety disorders have been a growing issue across Europe, including here in Ireland.
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of the hemp plant, is emerging as a hopeful help for those seeking alternative options to traditional forms of medication. The hemp plant is primarily filled with the cannabinoid CBD which is both non-toxic and incapable of causing any ‘high’ in the user.
This article looks deeper into the efficacy and potential use of CBD for stress relief in young people. The information discussed throughout is guided by recent, very positive research findings. Let’s go.
A STUDY ON CBD & YOUTH ANXIETY
An open-label trial titled “Cannabidiol for Treatment-Resistant Anxiety Disorders in Young People” has shed light on the role of CBD in helping with stress in young individuals.
It marks a significant contribution to the current understanding of CBD as a supplement for stress relief among other health concerns. What is interesting is that the study focused on young people only.
RESEARCH BACKGROUND & METHODS
The study enrolled individuals in the age bracket of 12-25 years with moderate-to-severe anxiety disorders and who had not achieved favourable outcomes from conventional treatments.
The study included 31 young participants who were given CBD for 12 weeks in increasing doses of up to 800mg per day.*
MEASURING CBD’S EFFECTIVENESS
The researchers evaluated anxiety levels using the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS). Other domains including depressive symptoms, Clinical Global Impressions scale and social and occupational functioning were also assessed and included.
STRIKING OUTCOMES: MUCH LOWER LEVEL OF ANXIETY
The participants had a remarkable 42.6% reduction in anxiety severity that emphasized CBD as an effective stress management aid for young people in particular.
The standard doses of this hemp formulation were an integral element of the research, which the patients used regularly over the time.
IMPROVEMENTS BEYOND ANXIETY
On top of that, the trial also demonstrated a marked improvement in depressive symptoms, and global clinical impressions. The participants in general made some improvement in their social and occupational functioning.
SAFETY PROFILE OF CBD
Overall, CBD was characterized as having an acceptable safety profile in the study, which is a crucial outcome when it comes to incorporating a dietary supplement or any new element.
Most of the adverse events reported were mild and were associated with reports of common symptoms such as fatigue and temperature sensitivities that could be attributed to the start of any new supplement. CBD generally does not have any to mild side effects that are transient.
IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH: ANALYSING THE FINDINGS
This important, yet recent study suggests that CBD may have a significant potential in the field of mental health. This is the case, particularly of young people who have failed to find success in conventional treatment techniques.
HERBAL SUPPLEMENT FOR STRESS
Although these preliminary findings are encouraging, the research highlights the necessity of randomized controlled trials to confirm the effectiveness of CBD.
CBD combines well with endocannabinoid system that plays an important role in maintaining the stress and balance in the body hence it is a good herbal supplement for people with stress related challenges. There are options of CBD Oils or CBD Gummies for a sweet alternative to the traditional sublingual method.
MORE READING: CBD FRUIT CHEWS A DELICIOUS WAY TO BETTER WELL-BEING
Based on this study, CBD emerges as a reasonable alternative for youth suffering from stress and anxiety. While we investigate the advantages of CBD in more detail, the necessity of selecting high-quality, well-documented products is more obvious than ever.
NATURAL APPROACHES TO ANXIETY & STRESS IN YOUTH
Although CBD seems to be an effective supplement in controlling stress and anxiety, it is one of the many natural strategies that can help support the mental health of the youth. Utilizing an assortment of methods can offer a holistic approach to anxiety reduction and general well-being improvements.
ENGAGING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Routine physical activity is a fantastic stress buster. It can cause the release of endorphins, the feel-great neurotransmitters of the brain, and serve as a natural anti-anxiety therapy. Physical activities may also help in the improvement of sleep that too is often spoiled by stress, depression, and anxiety.
MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION
Practicing mindfulness meditation could allow youths to perceive their thoughts and feelings with the detachment. This habit has the ability to decrease the stress response and improve feelings of joy and peace.
BALANCED NUTRITION
Nutrition can influence mood drastically. Eating a wide diversity of nutrients and having set meal times can help maintain the stable level of energy and mood which is helpful in managing stress.
DEVELOPING A SLEEP ROUTINE
Sufficient sleep is an essential part of stress control. The establishment of a regular sleep pattern leads to better sleep quality and it becomes easier to deal with anxiety.
SOCIAL CONNECTION
Supporting network can help youth handle stressful situations. Open discussions about anxiety and stress with friends, family or professionals can give the person emotional support and practical suggestions.
PRACTICING RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation or visualizing peaceful scenes are immediate stress relievers and are highly effective when anxiety levels are high.
TIME MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Youth may experience stress when managing their time if they are not taught to do this. Knowing how to prioritize tasks and knowing the difference between urgent and important tasks can eliminate the feeling of overwhelm.
EXPRESSIVE WRITING
Journaling and other forms of reflective writing help the writer to release and understand emotions, which in turn reduces stress and anxiety.
NATURE TIME
Nature has the quality to relax the mind. Promoting activities like walking in a park, going for a hiking, or just resting in a natural setting will improve mood and eliminate the feelings of stress.
CREATIVE OUTLETS
Art, music, and dance may serve as therapeutic activities for youth under stress. These activities provide an avenue for expression and can be a break from stress-causing thoughts.
Incorporating these natural methods along with supplements like CBD can provide a robust framework for managing stress and anxiety in young people. It is essential to approach stress management in a holistic manner that addresses both the mind and the body.
CONCLUSION: TOWARDS A STRESS-LESS FUTURE
The findings from this pivotal study pave the way for CBD to be considered a viable supplement for stress and anxiety, especially among the youth.
This aligns with the broader trend of acknowledging and integrating herbal supplements like CBD into stress management strategies.
*Note: This study’s results offer a glimpse into the potential role of CBD oil as a safe and effective option for young people with severe anxiety and represents a significant stride in mental health treatment.
It’s important to remember that all CBD Oils differ in terms of potency, formula, and type. The high dose used in this study is due to the use of CBD isolate and dry weight measurement.
Our 10% CBD Oil is full-spectrum and high potency per drop meaning you don’t need much daily. The recommended guidance for stress and anxiety relief is 25-30mg per day which one dose of our 10% gives you!
As always, we advocate for informed decisions based on research. If you’re considering CBD oil for stress & anxiety, do your research & stay tuned for more evidence-based updates in the world of CBD.
DISCLAIMER
It is crucial to remember that while CBD has shown promise as a supplement for stress relief, it is sold as a food supplement and not intended to cure or treat any health condition. Always consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement, particularly for those under other medication regimes.
REFERENCES
- Berger, Maximus et al. (2022) “Cannabidiol for Treatment-Resistant Anxiety Disorders in Young People: An Open-Label Trial.” The Journal of clinical psychiatry
- Shannon, Scott et al. (2019) “Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series.” The Permanente journal
- Blessing, Esther M et al. (2015) “Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders.” Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics
- Spinella, T.C. et al. (2021) “Evaluating cannabidiol (CBD) expectancy effects on acute stress and anxiety in healthy adults: a randomized crossover study.” Psychopharmacology
- Bloomfield, M.A.P. et al. (2022) “The acute effects of cannabidiol on emotional processing and anxiety: a neurocognitive imaging study.” Psychopharmacology
- Henson, J.D. et al. (2021) “Enhancing Endocannabinoid Control of Stress with Cannabidiol” Journal of Clinical Medicine
