Why CBD Matters Part 1. Mental Health
While it’s undeniable mental health has become more prevalent in this time with the constant barrage of political news media, social media, student loan debt, health concerns, etc. we can learn quite a bit from what types of ailments have become a part of the national dialogue. First, let’s take a look at some important statistics:
- Anxiety disorders are now the most common mental illness in the US, affecting 18.1% of the US population -- That’s 40 million US adults. (https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics)
- 12% of all Millenials in the US have an officially diagnosed anxiety disorder. (https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2012/generations)
- Globally, 268 million people suffer from depression. (https://ourworldindata.org/mental-health#anxiety-disorders)
- At least one major depressive episode was reported by an estimated 17.3 million adults in the US in 2017. (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression.shtml)
Here at Blackwell CBD, we genuinely feel that these types of numbers deserve our close attention if we want them to stop growing. We also understand that every individual's situation is unique, and medical intervention with the use of pharmaceutical options may be required. However, the promising studies being conducted on CBD as a potential treatment option has become a light at the end of the tunnel for millions of people globally suffering from anxiety, depression and the stress factors that can lead to as well as exacerbate both ailments.
Before we dive deeper into this conversation, we want to emphasize the importance of finding balance in one's life. We will never proclaim CBD to be a “cure all” solution, especially when it comes to mental health, but a tool, that when combined with proper diet, exercise and ensuring the people we surround ourselves with bring positive energy to our lives among other things, can provide the right amount of perspective to bring balance in your life.
Relatively speaking, we’re at the beginning stages of scientific study of CBD. Overall, preclinical evidence supports the potential of CBD being a treatment for anxiety disorders; particularly those that are stress-induced. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/)
There’s a myriad of PubMed studies out there to pull from regarding CBD in regards to anxiety and depression, but it was this particular study that clearly demonstrates why CBD is being considered as a pharmaceutical alternative for those suffering from anxiety and depression: “...CBD exhibited anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects…” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24923339)
Still not convinced? This molecular neurobiology journal that aims to continually stay on top of and in touch with contemporary molecular brain research had this to say about CBD:
“...results indicate that CBD induces a fast and sustained antidepressant-like effect”
(https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12035-018-1143-4)
Stress, and its significant role as a contributor to anxiety disorders, depression, as well as its status as an essential component of the development of PTSD, is a topic very close to our hearts here at Blackwell. CBD’s pertinent role in the future of those affected by anxiety, depression and PTSD is one of the main reasons Blackwell CBD was founded, and will continue to be a driving force behind Blackwell’s mission. Sound science, open minds, and honest discussion are the key components that we feel will give mental health the attention it deserves and shine a long overdue spotlight on the role CBD can play in the everyday lives of people everywhere.