If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by life lately, you’re not alone. A lot of us are feeling the pressure of modern life, and the anxieties it brings. It can feel like everything is going wrong all the time, and that can have a serious toll on our mental health. That’s where cannabis comes in. Cannabis has been used for centuries as an alternative medicine to help with a wide range of conditions and symptoms. Nowadays, it’s more popular than ever as more people than ever turn to it for help. If you’re wondering whether weed will help you with your mental illness, keep reading to find out more about how it works and if it could be right for you.
What is Mental Illness?
Mental illness is a broad term used to describe a range of disorders affecting the brain. It includes conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, as well as other less common conditions. It’s not understood why some people get affected by these conditions, but they can be very serious and are usually treated with medication and therapy. Symptoms of mental illnesses can range from mild to severe, and they can affect areas of your life such as your work, your relationships, and your physical health. Effects on your mental health can last for weeks, months, years, or even decades.
Is Cannabis Effective for Mental Health?
There’s been a lot of research into the effects of cannabis for mental health, and the results are promising. A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that people who used cannabis had less symptoms of schizophrenia, including paranoia and hallucinations. Another, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, found that people who used cannabis were less likely to experience depression and anxiety.
How Does Cannabis Work?
Mental illnesses affect your brain chemistry, and there have been numerous studies into how cannabis can change your brain chemistry and help you. Cannabinoids found in cannabis are thought to have a number of different effects on the body, including:
- Relieving stress – Stress and anxiety are linked to an increased risk of mental health problems, so cannabis could help to relieve stress and reduce anxiety.
- Improving sleep – Many people with mental health problems are also sleeping badly, so cannabis could help to improve your sleep.
- Boosting mood – Research has found that cannabis can help to lift your mood and improve your mood by increasing your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Side effects of cannabis for mental health
Like any medicine, cannabis has side effects. The most common ones include:
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate – This is something that happens when you inhale cannabis, so it could be dangerous if you have a condition that affects your heart, lung, or breathing rate. As an alternative, you can consume edibles.
- Dry mouth – This occurs because of the way cannabis affects your saliva glands, which help you to swallow and digest food. You may even experience increased thirst as well. To avoid this, make sure you stay hydrated.
- Drowsiness – This occurs because of the way cannabis affects your brain chemistry. Make sure you are not driving or operating machinery when you consume cannabis.
- Paranoia – This is uncommon, but it’s linked to high doses of cannabis and is usually linked to people with a history of schizophrenia or other disorders affecting your thinking. When using cannabis, it is best to start with low doses. Too much, too soon can lead to unwanted side effects.
Conclusion
Mental illnesses can make it hard to feel confident in yourself and your abilities. They can also make it hard to get along with others, and they can seriously affect your everyday life. There are a lot of different types of mental illness, and some are more serious than others. It’s important to talk to your doctor, psychiatrist, or other health professional if you think that you might have a mental illness. There are many treatments and support services available. If you’re worried about your mental health, cannabis could be an option for you. Visit BCMedichronic.co online dispensary for all your cannabis needs.