CBD for Stress

Jeff Yauck / Updated on October 17, 2018

If you are ‘stressed’, it means you are worried, rundown or overwhelmed, some would say ‘unhappy.’ While stress is occasionally beneficial as it gives you the drive to complete a difficult task, chronic stress adversely affects your neuroendocrine, central nervous and immune systems. Pharmaceutical drugs can help, but due to the horrible side effects, more people are turning to CBD for chronic stress relief.

In this article, we’ll go over what exactly is Chronic Stress, how does it affect your daily lifestyle, and how CBD for chronic stress is quickly positioning itself at the forefront of available and preferred treatment methods.

The Chronic Stress Conundrum

There is a multitude of reasons why people get stressed. According to the American Institute of Stress, the main causes of stress are:

• Increased workload
• People issues
• Juggling work and personal lives
• Lack of job security

However, the changing landscape in the United States is also causing severe stress. The American Psychological Association (APA) published a report in 2016 entitled Stress in America: Coping with Change which analyzed the different causes of stress amongst Americans. The findings included:

• 66% of Americans are stressed about the future of the nation.
• 59% of Americans are stressed about potential terrorist attacks.
• 61% of Americans are stressed out about their financial situation.

What is Chronic Stress?

Chronic stress is one of three types of stress (the others are acute and episodic acute) and is classified as the grinding stress that chips away at you day after day. In other words, it is a response to prolonged exposure to emotional pressure and involves an endocrine system response in which your body releases corticosteroids.

What Causes Chronic Stress?

It is an insidious condition, and when you suffer it long enough, you may forget it is even there! In some cases, the condition is formed due to traumatic childhood experiences that remain internalized forever. Especially traumatic experiences can impact your view of the world permanently. For example, you may view it as a frightening and violent place after being the victim of a violent or sexual assault.

How Long Does Chronic Stress Last?

It can last forever if left untreated and ultimately result in serious medical conditions such as chronic depression. Sadly, a large number of people never get the help they need. The APA released a survey in August 2017 which found that 33% of Americans never discuss stress management techniques with their healthcare providers.

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Conventional Chronic Stress Treatments & Their Side Effects (Not CBD)

Seeking consultation with a licensed mental health professional is always a positive step when fighting against chronic stress. However, too many Americans rely on pharmaceutical drugs without realizing that these pills are only a short-term solution that masks the problem.

The most common medications for chronic stress include:

• Prozac
• Celexa
• Sertraline
• Citalopram
• Paxil

Buspar is another popular drug, and while it doesn’t cause many side effects, it is seldom powerful enough to meet a person’s needs. Benzodiazepines are stronger but carry a greater risk of addiction and cause significant fatigue. SSRIs and antidepressants are other options, but they often have adverse reactions including an increased risk of anxiety and depression.

Living with Chronic Stress

If you suffer from chronic stress, there is a danger you’ll get sucked into a black hole of despair. Without professional help, things could spiral out of control and lead to serious medical conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. You’re also more likely to either commit suicide or cause harm to someone else. Fortunately, studies show that CBD is capable of treating chronic stress without side effects.

CBD for Chronic Stress; How Can It Help

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If you allow chronic stress to take hold for too long, it will eventually impact your physical and mental appearance. Prolonged exposure to stress will probably lead to depression. Chronic stress has a significant impact on our endocannabinoid system, and since marijuana’s compounds impact the CB1 and CB2 receptors, it makes sense that the plant is a potential chronic stress buster.

While CBD impacts the CB2 receptor and doesn’t have a binding affinity with the CB1 receptor, it inhibits the production of the FAAH enzyme which is responsible for breaking down anandamide, an endocannabinoid. As a result, CBD’s seemingly indirect impact on the endocannabinoid system actually improves our ability to cope with stress.

In a 2011 study by Bergamaschi et al., 24 people with Social Anxiety Disorder were given a dose of CBD or a placebo before performing a public speaking test simulation. The patients that consumed CBD exhibited a reduction in cognitive impairment, anxiety, and discomfort during their speech when compared to those who took the placebo.

A 2009 study by Resstel et al. looked at CBD in relation to its ability to reduce anxiety. They found that the cannabinoid partially activated the serotonin 5HT1a receptors; this means CBD is capable of helping people adapt to chronic stress.

The reason why we are showing you these two medical studies is that there is a strong connection between anxiety and stress. Ongoing stress will often lead to anxiety. Once the stressor has gone, meaning the stressful situation has passed, anxiety will set in.

Although THC strains are also capable of fighting chronic stress, they should only be taken in smaller doses. Studies show that when higher doses are consumed, it is possible for the level of anxiety to get even worse. Another obvious issue with THC is availability. In contrast, CBD in specific forms is available all across America and in dozens of countries around the globe. For example, CBD from the cannabis plant is available in states that have approved medical cannabis, while CBD Hemp is available across the whole of the U.S.

Final Thoughts on Chronic Stress & CBD

Longer work hours, greater work expectations, increased financial obligations and concern over the future of the country are just some of the reasons why chronic stress in the United States is in danger of becoming ubiquitous.

Matters are not helped by Big Pharma producing drugs that fail to alleviate chronic stress for anything other than a short period. Thankfully, CBD is here and available to all thanks to the recent changes in legislation. Now you can drink CBD, vape the substance or rub the balm on your skin. It could be the difference between enduring life and enjoying it.

Disclaimer: 

The information made available on this page is based on studies and research as well as experiences from CBD users.

For a medical condition always consult with a healthcare professional before consuming CBD. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease, ailment or skin condition. Any information contained in or made available on our website is not intended to be used as, or be a substitute for, healthcare advice or information from licensed healthcare practitioners. Please consult a licensed health care practitioner regarding any potential interactions or complications before using our products.