Everyone has phobias, fears, and concerns. But for some of the population, those things can grow into something massive to become crippling anxiety. Anxiety impacts everything from daily life to interactions, to being able to perform well in a job (among many other things). Anxiety is the number one mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults age 18 and older, around 19% of the total population. That’s a troubling statistic. There are plenty of treatments, but medical marijuana is starting to show some strong potential. Today, we’re discussing anxiety and whether it can help with anxiety. Read on to learn more.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of worry and nervousness. It can be triggered by stress, fear, or even excitement. When you experience anxiety, it’s normal to feel anxious about what might happen next. But when those feelings become overwhelming and interfere with your daily life, getting help is necessary. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety is a feeling of worry, tension, and physical changes that adversely affect people daily. It isn’t a fear but can be characterized by fear. There are many types of anxiety as well. It can be difficult to treat and be incredibly pervasive, infiltrating our daily lives and causing feelings of apprehension, fear, anger, and more.
Types of Anxiety
There are five types of anxiety disorders that affect the public the most. These are Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). GAD is the most common. Chronic worry and anxiety are the key indicators of GAD. Environmental factors, phobias, and trauma can all cause this condition. Panic disorder is a feeling of terror or dread that can disrupt your life. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder that causes you to have uncontrollable thoughts and behaviors. Social anxiety disorder is a fear of, well, social situations, leading to panic attacks. PTSD is a condition that develops after you experience traumatic events (such as war, abuse, or natural disaster).
Treatments
Just like any condition, the breadth of anxiety runs a deep vein across the human psyche. Treating anxiety is a challenge. Seeing a therapist helps. Talking to your doctor is also helpful. The trick is to find the right therapist and doctor. Online therapy can be a godsend due to being convenient You need someone who understands what you’re going through and can help you deal with it. Some doctors prescribe antidepressants or other treatments for anxiety, but medical marijuana has recently become a viable option. If money is a concern, there are free resources available to help (more on that later).
Medical Marijuana for Anxiety
Popular in many states, medical marijuana is showing promise for treating conditions related to the mind. Depression, anxiety, neurological disorders, and many other conditions qualify for treatment under most medical marijuana laws in different states. The part of marijuana that positively affects anxiety, cannabidiol or CBD, is part of the magic that makes this all happen. As a person suffering from anxiety, you might wonder if finding a doctor to treat it with medical marijuana is challenging. Fortunately, it isn’t. In most states, licensed doctors are available to help certify whether or not you require medical marijuana to treat a condition. Consult with one of these doctors, discuss the issue with them if it’s a good course of action, and don’t be afraid to get your therapist’s opinion. Many current studies demonstrate the efficacy of using medical marijuana to treat conditions like anxiety. In some of these studies, at least 40% of patients found it useful for helping improve relaxation and decrease anxiety. It’s also helpful for panic attacks. Depending on your state, finding a doctor to help treat anxiety with medical marijuana can be as simple as an online search. Try searching for phrases like “medical card doctors near me,” “licensed medical marijuana doctors to treat anxiety,” or checking the state website for a list of certified doctors.
Additional Resources
Dealing with anxiety from day to day can be tricky. It’s not something that goes away by itself most of the time, nor is it easily dismissed. Fortunately, plenty of resources abound to help address anxiety for the entire population. Start by checking out your state’s local resources. Official state websites and local areas usually have information on such resources. Check your local library. Libraries are an excellent repository of information for just about anything. Several organizations exist to help people with anxiety. The National Alliance on Mental Illness, The American Psychological Association, The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, and the National Institute of Mental Health are all top-tier organizations dedicated to helping people suffering from anxiety. For more resources, check out this guide from Everyday Health, the incredible resources at Counseling.com, and the ADAA. And don’t forget the importance of talking to your therapist and doctor when you’re feeling anxious! You’ll be glad you did.