Mental Wellbeing During Isolation

COVID-19 has thrown the world into a state of uncertainty, isolation and fear. We have been staying home to protect not just ourselves but our loved ones and those we encounter in our daily lives. We will, of course, come out of this, but until then we need to keep ourselves healthy and safe. Financial pressures, health concerns, helplessness and isolation could be causing depression and anxiety. During this time, it is imperative that we prioritise our physical and mental wellbeing. 

The World Health Organisation’s Definition of Mental Health

“State of wellbeing in which individuals realise their abilities and can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and can contribute to the community.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 1 in 10 people around the globe was suffering from mental health issues like depression and anxiety. As we move into a post-COVID-19 world, that number is likely to continue to rise.

Here are a few ways to support your mental wellbeing during the isolation:

Keep Yourself Busy

Sitting idly in the house will not help your mental or physical health. Make sure to keep yourself busy by doing little chores, reading books, cooking your favourite meals and getting out in the garden. Don’t lose track of time. Instead, set a routine that includes enough sleep, proper meals, getting some fresh air and sunlight, exercise, and self-care.

Maintain Contact with Friends and Family

Some of us have not seen our friends and families for months, but we can still remain in contact through social media platforms, telephone and internet. When you do speak to your friends and family, try to keep a positive tone.  Talking about the uncertainty around the pandemic will not help your own mental wellbeing, rather it will only cause you more anxiety and stress.

Limit Screen Time

Since being in isolation, we have become more dependent on electronic devices. Our phones, laptops, and tablets have been essential for work and communication, not to mention killing time with endless watching of box-sets and films. Try to limit your device-usage and spend more time doing productive, meaningful activities that will keep your mood up. 

Avoid Negative Activities

Anxious feelings may tempt you to engage in less productive activities, such as overeating and increased alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it can disrupt the delicate balance of chemicals and processes in the brain balance, affecting our thoughts, feelings and actions – and in some cases it has been known to impact long-term mental wellbeing. This is partly down to neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that help to transmit signals from one nerve (or neuron) in the brain to another.

When we drink to excess, our brain function increases. Regardless of the mood we’re in, the more alcohol we consume, the more our minds will be filled with thoughts.  It is possible that negative emotions will take over, leading to a negative impact on mental wellbeing. Alcohol can be linked to aggression and some people report becoming angry, aggressive, anxious or depressed when they drink.

Fitness

The gyms might be closed but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your physical wellbeing. You can access online workouts, if you are a parent you can exercise with your children or just step outside for a walk, run or cycle.

Yoga

Yoga is a useful option for dealing with mental wellbeing issues like stress and anxiety. There is a wide range of online yoga classes for you to take part in.

CBD for Anxiety and Stress

Part of CBD’s rise in popularity has been due to anecdotal health claims on its positive effect on various ailments including stress and anxiety. Studies into how CBD affects the symptoms of mental health conditions have been relatively successful6. From 1980-2018, scientists have studied CBD and its effects on Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and ADHD (Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). CBD was shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety in the majority of the patients. Research on the positive effect of CBD on mental disorders started in the late 1970s. Even though the start was a little slower, there has been exponential growth of research on this topic in the last 10 years1.

 Sleep Quality

CBD has been shown to help improve sleep quality in various individuals.  Reports show it may be an effective remedy for treating Insomnia. Capsules containing 40, 80, 160mg of CBD oil have reported being highly effective for improving sleep quality7.  During quarantine most of us have inadvertently ruined our sleep-wake cycle. To lower the level of stress, CBD helps in the production of Serotonin which creates a calming feeling in the body. CBD also interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors to reduce the signals of pain.

CBD for Depression 

Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health disorders which have long-lasting effects on an individual’s overall health, social life, and ability to cope up with stress. Doctors prescribe different drugs to reduce the symptoms. However, the drugs have a wide range of side effects, causing sleeplessness, sexual dysfunction, and mood swings.

Research carried out in 2014, shows that CBD has a positive interaction with the happy hormone (Serotonin) of the body. Raised levels of serotonin induces emotional stability and reduces the symptoms of depression. CBD acted as an antidepressant when given to the animal in the test. Cannabidiol supports the body’s endocannabinoid system by interacting with the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CBD for Anxiety 

Anxiety or panic disorder is affecting millions of people around the world. Studies have shown that CBD has a positive effect on reducing the symptoms of panic disorder. More than 5% of people around the globe face recurring panic attacks, and this number has must increase during the self-isolation period. According to research, a 300mg dose has caused a significant decrease in the level of anxiety in human models. In another study, 600mg of cannabidiol has proved to be useful for people with a social anxiety disorder2.

Is CBD Addictive?

The short, simple answer is no.

A March 2017 study published in the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence examined this by administering various oral dosages of CBD to frequent marijuana users alone and in combination with smoked marijuana, which contained 5.3% to 5.8% THC (the addictive property). After analysing the abuse liability profile of CBD compared with an oral placebo and active marijuana, the research team concluded that “CBD did not display any signals of abuse liability.”    

It is essential to buy CBD products from highly reputable vendors. Check that their CBD is derived from hemp plants and contains little to no trace of THC (less 0.3% according to UK law), and therefore should not put an individual at risk of developing cannabis withdrawal symptoms that might come from heavier THC intake.

Purity Hemp Company

Purity Hemp Company produces the best CBD products to help you live a healthy life with a sound mind. Our products are vegan, chemical-free, and all-natural hemp oil.  Our select strains of CBD-rich hemp plants are grown organically across Canada, USA and the Netherlands. With over 40 years of cultivation experience, our strains are specially monitored and cared for to ensure they are thriving at every stage of their growth, and that the CBD they produce is the highest in quality and purity. We only use the very best in our product collection.

Hemp Oil

Hemp seeds contain a favourable amount of edible fatty acids that help in regulating brain activities. A study on mice has proved that hemp seeds contain active compounds such as polyphenols that can protect the brain from inflammation. 

Hemp Tea 

Hemp tea is made of older plants that have a higher level of CBD. It is reported to help alleviate symptoms of nausea, stress, anxiety, and depression. It also improves gastrointestinal functions and may provide relief from chronic pain. Our organic hemp tea is completely safe from pesticides, toxins, and heavy metals

CBD Gummies

CBD gummies are a favourable way to intake cannabidiol. The dose of the gummies is predefined, so you don’t have to measure it every time you have to take it. Gummies are particularly helpful in treating anxiety and sleeplessness. These are non-GMO and made with natural colours and different flavours.

To keep ourselves healthy, we need to apply all possible preventive measures during these hard times. Remember that we are all in this together, and you are not alone. 

 

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Bibliography

 

1. Batalla, A., et al. “Neuroimaging Studies of Acute Effects of THC and CBD in Humans and Animals: A Systematic Review.” Current Pharmaceutical Design, vol. 20, no. 13, Bentham Science Publishers, 2014, pp. 2168–85.
2. Blessing, Esther M., et al. “Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders.” Neurotherapeutics, vol. 12, no. 4, Springer, 2015, pp. 825–36.
3. Di Marzo, Vincenzo, et al. “The Endocannabinoid System and Its Therapeutic Exploitation.” Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, vol. 3, no. 9, Nature Publishing Group, 2004, pp. 771–84.
4. Grohol, John M. CBD Oil for Depression, Schizophrenia, ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, Bipolar & More.
5. Neri, Anita Liberalesso, et al. “Relationships between Gender, Age, Family Conditions, Physical and Mental Health, and Social Isolation of Elderly Caregivers.” International Psychogeriatrics, vol. 24, no. 3, Cambridge University Press, 2012, pp. 472–83.
6. Ritchie, Hannah, and Max Roser. “Mental Health. 2018.” Dostopno Na: Https://Ourworldindata. Org/Mental–Health (Citirano: 15. 8. 2019).
7. Shannon, Scott, and Janet Opila-Lehman. “Cannabidiol Oil for Decreasing Addictive Use of Marijuana: A Case Report.” Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, vol. 14, no. 6, InnoVision Media, 2015, p. 31.