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Writer's pictureVivek Roachthavilit

CBD, Cannabis, PTSD and the Impact of War In Ukraine

War is always unforgiving. Countless lives are being lost for no good reason.  We all know quite well that no one ever wins in a war. Families become separated, the economy comes to a downfall, people lose their loved ones, some lose everything they have ever worked for.  Such is the case with the conflict in Ukraine.  During wartime or post-war the nations involved will experience not only physical devastation, but economic distress, but worst of all, the deteriorating state of mental health.  

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition in which one may have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event or a series of events.  In a state of war, it's not just the military personnel that will or does experience PTSD, but civilians and bystanders do too.  PTSD is a very common consequence one experiences while witnessing traumatic events like war, and  unfortunately, it's a reality for people in Ukrainians today. Collectively and consciously we need to look into potential solutions for addressing the mental health challenges people in Ukraine and not to forget people in Palestine are facing now. 


Even though PTSD is a familiar term in mental health now, CBD or Cannabidiol as a treatment for PTSD is still relatively new.  Just recently has CBD been shown the spotlight for the potential for managing PTSD symptoms. This can be a guiding light for people that are suffering from such trauma and are hoping to restore their life.  


Facts you need to know about PTSD:  


  • PTSD does not only affect people who experience trauma, but can also impact people who have experience second-hand traumatic experiences

  • Symptoms of PTSD may not appear right away.  Delayed onset symptoms can take months or years to affect patients

  • Having PTSD does not mean you are weak. It's just your brain’s way of protecting you from a threat or danger

  • Not everyone who have experienced a traumatic event will suffer from PTSD

  • Symptoms of PTSD varies depending on the type of traumatic experience or personality

  • People with PTSD are not always violent

  • Most PTSD cases will not go away themselves

  • PTSD is treated with medications and therapy


PTSD can result from both witnessing and experiencing traumatic events like natural disasters, personal assaults, accidents and combat.  Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the troubling events. People that suffer from PTSD may just not impact themselves, but it does also have negative impacts on relationships, work, and overall quality of life.


For Ukrainians living in fear of war–PTSD is inevitable.  Not knowing one's fate can bring on PTSD instantly.  At times of war you will live with the fear of constantly losing your loved ones, displacement and not having the liberty of living with safety.  Mental health becomes a big treat and keeping yourself together is the biggest challenge.  


CBD is a non-psychoactive component from the cannabis plant.  The World Health Organization (WHO) deemed CBD as safe for consumption and consists of minor side effects.   CBD does not cause intoxication or makes you feel “high".  That's why using CBD is ideal for treating PTSD, unlike THC where when used in high amounts may increase one's anxiety levels and definitely be very bad for PTSD.  CBD contains positive therapeutic properties such as improving sleep, reducing stress and anxiety, relieving pain and inflammation and obviously managing PTSD symptoms. 

 

Though CBD may be able to treat PTSD, it should not be the only course of treatment.  People suffering from PTSD should be actively involved with therapy, medication and if possible group therapy.  It's important to remember that you are not alone. If you are feeling overwhelmed with your feelings, reach out for help.  Feel free to speak out and let your loved ones know what's going on.  Call your local mental health hotline or visit the nearest emergency room for medical assistance.  


Disclaimer:  This blog is meant to be for information purposes only and not to be taken as a medical provider. 


And now it's time for you to obtain peace and calm with Mellow Organic’s high quality and lab tested CBD products.  To order your next CBD product, click here


Reported by Vivek Roachthavilit

 






 


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