Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act as well as helping determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.
Once seen as a stigma, mental health is now gaining more recognition. About 20% (1 in 4) of the population suffers from some sort of mental health disorder.
This week (May 13th – May 19th) is Mental Health Awareness Week, a campaign which takes place around the UK every year to raise awareness around mental health problems affecting millions of people in the UK today.
Here at Somnio CBD we recognise the importance of having a healthier mind as well as a healthy body. We want to help you achieve a healthier lifestyle by healing your body and mind.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions, and is thought to affect around 6 million people in the UK alone.
Common symptoms include feeling nervous or tense and having a sense of impeding danger, panic or doom. Physical symptoms can also include increased heart rate and heavy breathing.
Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms.
Symptoms can range from lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy.
Many people with depressions also have symptoms of anxiety.
How does CBD work?
CB1 receptors
CBD interacts with the receptors within our endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is the system that keeps our bodily functions balanced.
The ECS consists of two types of receptors, CB1 and CBD2 receptors, both of which serve distinct functions in human health and well being.
CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors are found mostly in the peripheral organs and cells associated with the immune system.
When these CB1 receptors are activated, they can help with both depression and anxiety.
Anxiety and depression are usually treated by medication which target the Serotonin system to effectively increase serotonin signals which can reduce anxiety and boost mood in most cases.
CBD can have the same effects as it specifically binds to the serotonin receptor 5-HT1A. Similar to these anti – anxiety medications, CBD is thought to boost signalling through serotonin receptors. This receptor is thought to play the strongest role in anxiety disorders.
A study by Open Access Government, showed that 38% of UK adults would opt to use CBD oil to aid their mental health rather than over the counter prescription medication. This figure was even higher in millennial's with 50% of them saying they would choose CBD oil.
How can CBD help psychosis?
Psychosis is a mental health problem that causes people to perceive or interpret things differently from those around them. These may include hallucinations and/or delusions.
THC is thought to be a risk factor in psychosis and schizophrenia. However, it is being investigated that CBD can reverse the effects of THC in regards to psychosis.
A recent study found that a single dose of CBD could significantly reduce the abnormal brain activity that causes these effects.
Researchers recruited 33 young people flagged by early intervention services as having symptoms of psychosis, but had not yet been diagnosed or treated.
Alongside 19 healthy participants, their brain activity was scanned and their verbal and memory skills were tested before half were given CBD and half were given a placebo.
The brains of those who had taken a dose of CBD showed less severe abnormalities than the brains of those who had taken a placebo, suggesting that the compound was “resetting” abnormal activity in the key brain areas.
If you are taking medication to manage your mental health conditions, we advise that you consult a doctor before taking CBD products.