CBD For PTSD

CBD for PTSD symptoms may be the relief you or your loved one is looking for. More than 3.5% of adults in the United States suffer from PTSD every year. It is also estimated that one in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime. The intensity of PTSD symptoms can be different from person to person, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be cared for. Can CBD help you or your loved one get relief from the symptoms of PTSD? Read on to find out and if you think you or someone you love has PTSD, the best and first thing to do is seek professional help, to diagnose and start treatment.

What is PTSD?

PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, might be more common than you think. When you hear “PTSD” your mind may immediately go to members of the military, but actually anyone that has gone through a traumatic event may suffer from PTSD. Members of the armed forces are more susceptible to PTSD because of the nature of their work, intensity of experience, and length of time exposed to traumatic events. Though their PTSD is more in the public eye than others, that doesn’t downplay the PTSD that you or a loved one may be suffering from different events.

PTSD is a mental health issue that has developed after a person has experienced or seen a traumatic and/or life-threatening event. That doesn’t mean that the normal stress you feel after an unfortunate event is PTSD, those immediate feelings are normal. PTSD sufferers continue to feel these uncomfortable issues for months and years after the initial event. The symptoms may come and go or continue to be consistent. They also may be triggered by certain sounds, sights, or other things that may bring that memory back to the forefront of the mind.

PTSD can be developed at any time, by any person, regardless of age, race, and gender. The symptoms, and amount and intensity of, can also vary from person to person. PTSD may also create or develop into other related disorders. Look out for symptoms of PTSD so you may treat it and find relief accordingly.

Here are some symptoms that you may experience when suffering from PTSD: 

• Avoidance 
• Intrusive memories or thoughts
• Flashbacks of event
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulty maintaining close relationships
• Detachment 
• Negative thoughts and moods
• Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Memory problems
• Self-destructive behaviors
• Anger management issues
• Insomnia
• Night terrors
• Nervousness
• Skittish

If you’d like to learn more in depth about PTSD, ways you can help a loved one with PTSD, or even how to find help for yourself, check out the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs website here.

CBD For PTSD

As we’ve learned so far, if you’ve been following along with our blogs, the ECS (the endocannabinoid system) is responsible for maintaining balance in a lot of our body’s systems and processes. This includes the symptoms of PTSD, which have a lot of negative effects on neurological functions, even related to trauma and trauma-based memories. When PTSD occurs, it knocks your ECS out of balance, which, in turn, creates the negative symptoms you may experience. Some studies have been showing that these “hormonal, neurological, and inflammatory disruptions observed in PTSD are all potentially modifiable by cannabinoids and the ECS signaling”. 

The way your body creates balance on its own is through the interaction of endocannabinoids and the ECS receptors; CB1 and CB2. CBD and even Delta 9 THC can be of help, as these cannabinoids interact with your ECS receptors in the same way as your endocannabinoids. As the balance in your ECS is slowly regained, that’s when you feel relief from symptoms that you may be suffering from with PTSD. 

Now, remember, everybody is different. CBD and THC\* can react differently in everyone’s bodies due to factors such as genetics, metabolism, body composition, gender, and even external factors like what you’ve eaten that day. As you use CBD or THC products, you may feel relief from just a couple symptoms or maybe a lot more. The best way to know is to first talk to your doctor to make sure CBD or THC is right for you and then experiment. 

Check out our handy guide to figure out if the products are working for you here. 

\*Remember that THC is psychoactive and you will fail a drug test if you use THC products.

Types of CBD Products For PTSD

CBD (and THC) products come in many different forms, strengths, and flavors. For this article’s sake, we will stick with CBD products. If you’re interested in THC products, check out our website for the many categories of products and cannabinoids (THC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9, Delta 10, Live Resin, and more!).  

Most CBD products are easy to use, so the product you choose is just personal preference. CBD oils can be taken sublingually or you can add them to your favorite beverage. If you’re looking for something sweet, like a gummy or chocolate, try CBD edibles. For something that can easily be added to your vitamin routine, CBD capsules are perfect. If you prefer to smoke, try CBD flower or CBD vape. 

If you can’t use THC products, stick with CBD isolate or broad spectrum products. THC and full spectrum CBD products will cause you to fail a drug test. 

More PTSD Relief

In addition to CBD, doctor-prescribed medicines, and therapy, you can take actions to continue improving your mental health which, in turn, can help lessen the severity of the symptoms.

Here are some things you can add into your wellness routine that can help alleviate certain symptoms and help you feel relief; 

• Spend time with people you trust, social support is important to heal
• Set realistic goals for yourself
• Break up to do lists into smaller, more manageable tasks
• Use distraction methods
• Engage in some sort of exercise, even if it’s just stretching or taking a walk
• Avoid drugs and alcohol
• Consider a support group
• Eat a healthy diet
• Learn how to relax
• Get enough sleep, engage in good sleep hygiene 
• Learn how to journal for PTSD

Of course, you don’t have to implement all of these activities, but choosing a few that you feel are doable can be beneficial in helping support your mental health. 

Getting Relief

There are many ways to find relief when it comes to PTSD, but what helps you is different than what helps others. Experiment with incorporating CBD for PTSD into your wellness routine along with the other tips. Talk to your doctor to make sure these can work for you, too. 

If you need help picking out CBD products, contact us today and we will help you find the best product for you and your personal needs.

If you or your loved one is struggling with a mental illness and need immediate help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor. Use that same number and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. 

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