If you’ve ever had a panic attack, you know very well
that in that moment of anxiety, you can feel like you’re dying. When we have a panic attack, our nervous
system goes through a series of biochemical changes that can be quite scary to
say the least. Anyone who regularly has
panic attacks is, understandably, desperate for a way to find relief. While there are medications out there that can
help, many panic attack sufferers are interested in taking a more natural
approach to their mental health.
That’s where cannabidiol (CBD) comes in. As you may know, CBD has been thoroughly studied for
its potential anti-anxiety benefits. So, it is not surprising that CBD may be able
to help with panic attacks as well. And,
that’s why we are going cover the ways in which CBD might be able to keep panic
attacks at bay. But, before we do, let’s
get deeper into what panic attacks are and why they occur.
What are Panic Attacks?
Quite simply, panic attacks are temporary, sudden
moments of panic that produce a series of symptoms in both the mind and
body. Many people wrongfully think that
panic attacks and anxiety attacks are the same thing. This is understandable considering the fact
that the symptoms are extremely similar, and that they both stem from anxiety
and stress. However, panic attacks are
quite different in several ways.
Panic attacks, unlike anxiety attacks, seemingly occur
without a clear trigger. In other words,
panic attacks come on at seemingly random times, whereas anxiety attacks are a
clear response to a stressful event or circumstance. This makes panic attacks all the scarier as
the sufferer feels as though they have no control over these episodes.
Believe it or not, panic attacks occur as a biological
response to stress that is meant to help us.
Our subconscious mind believes that we are in danger, and so the nervous
system goes through a series of biochemical changes so that we may be able to
defend ourselves. It is believed that
these changes to the nervous system served our ancestors who were faced with
more physical danger on a regular basis than we are today.
What Causes a Panic Attack?
Panic attacks are linked to an underlying anxiety
disorder, and many people who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are
prone to panic attacks. Many
psychologists believe that panic attacks are more likely to occur in people who
habitually suppress their feelings and thoughts. This can explain why these attacks seem to
come on out of nowhere. If a person’s
worries and feelings are suppressed enough, the anxiety gets bottled up until
it has no choice but to be expressed in the form of a panic attack.
What is Panic Disorder?
Many people will experience one or two panic attacks
during their lifetime. However, many
anxiety sufferers have what is known as panic disorder, in which they
experience panic attacks frequently.
What are the Symptoms of Panic Attacks?
Panic attacks have many symptoms, and not every
sufferer will have the exact same symptoms.
In terms of psychological symptoms, a panic attack can cause a person to
experience a feeling of impending doom, as though they were about to die or as
though something terrible were about to happen.
They will also experience racing thoughts and find it difficult to
focus.
Physically, symptoms can include:
- Rapid heartrate
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Tingling sensations
- Numbness of the feet and hands
- Dizziness
- Hot flashes
- Trembling
- Stomach pain
How are Panic Attacks Treated?
For many people, panic attacks last no longer than
thirty minutes, which means that the majority of sufferers can wait things out
without requiring medical treatment.
However, those with panic disorder often try to find a treatment that
will help prevent future panic attacks from occurring.
Panic attack sufferers are advised to seek counseling
in order to diagnose and address the underlying cause of the anxiety. Some doctors may prescribe patients
benzodiazepine drugs as well. These
drugs can help stop a person from having panic attacks, but they are highly
addictive and not meant to be taken over a long period of time.
Would CBD Be Able to Help with Panic Attacks?
As we said earlier, CBD is becoming a common natural
treatment for anxiety. This is due to
its potential ability to lower cortisol in the brain. Cortisol is the stress hormone, and when this
hormone is present in high amounts, panic attacks can occur. Cannabidiol naturally has the potential to
regulate the amount of cortisol that is secreted.
One study found that CBD was able to
prevent panic attacks in both humans and animals that have panic disorder. Cannabidiol, according to the study, has
powerful anxiolytic properties, meaning that it can calm the mind and nervous
system quickly and effectively.
Taking CBD for Panic Attacks
Before you begin a CBD regimen to treat a
health-related issue, you must speak to your doctor first. This is especially true if you’re already
taking another medication.
The Administration Method Matters
There are two ways to take CBD for panic attacks. One way is taking it on an “as needed”
basis. The other way is taking it daily
so that CBD is always present in the system, which may help prevent panic
attacks from occurring.
If you are taking CBD as needed, as in, when a panic
attack is coming on, the administration method is extremely important. Different administration methods take
different lengths of time to kick in, so you want something that works
fast. It’s believed that vaping CBD
allows a person to feel its potential effects within minutes. However, tinctures can also take effect with
1-2 hr. period and can last for up to 8 hours, while gummies
take effect within 45 minutes and usually last for up to several hours.
Know the CBD Dosage Level that is Right for You
Another thing that is especially important is that you
take the proper dosage level. Everyone’s
body is different, which means that different people will respond to different
dosage levels. We suggest starting with
the recommended dose and sticking with it for a couple weeks. If you feel that you still are not finding
adequate relief, you can increase the dose in small increments.
Treat Your Panic Attacks in a Holistic Manner
While panic attacks can be devastating and terrifying,
it is possible that many sufferers can find relief in a natural way. CBD might be able to help a person manage the
anxiety that can lead to these crippling episodes. If you want to take CBD as a method for
managing panic attacks, speak with your doctor.
It just may give you the sense of calm that you’ve been searching for.
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