Anxiety......
Where does it come from?
Why can’t we shut it off?

Anyone who has ever suffered from anxiety knows that it can be debilitating and for some... earth shattering. Terrified to fail, but no desire to be productive... Hating to be alone but dreading social situations, or on the flip side wanting to be alone, but feeling so lonely that you could crawl under a rock..... going from feeling ALL the feelings at once to feeling completely numb.

Most people who struggle with anxiety also struggle with the medication options available. The side effects can be worse than the condition itself and most don’t want to be “zombies” all day. Let's take a look at some of the most common medication types used for anxiety.

• Antidepressants
  
• SSRI (Selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors)
• SNRI (seratonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors )
• Beta-Blockers
• Benzodiazepines
  
• Buspirone
• Hydroxyzine

Within these categories there are sub-categories that work differently and carry their own risks and side effects.
SSRIs affect the chemicals that nerve cells in the brain use to communicate called neurotransmitters. SSRIs block the reabsorption (or reuptake) of the neurotransmitter seratonin. These medications are most commonly used to treat: moderate to severe depression, panic disorder, anxiety disorder, OCD, eating disorders, and social anxiety disorder. The most common SSRIs prescribed include: Celexa, Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro, & Zoloft.

Side effects of SSRIs include (but are not limited to):

• Nausea
• Agitation/Restlessness
• Weight Gain or Loss
• Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
• Reduced Sexual Desire or Inability to Perform
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Dry Mouth

SNRIs block the reabsorption (or reuptake) of the neurotransmitters seratonin and norepinephrine. These medications are most commonly used to treat: depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, fibromyalgia, nerve pain, and other pain disorders. The most common SNRIs prescribed include: Cymbalta, Effexor, Fetzima, Savella, & Pristiq.
Side effects of SNRIs include (but are not limited to):

• Nausea
• Aggitation/Restlessness
• Weight Gain or Loss
  
• Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
  
• Reduced Sexual Desire or Inability to Perform
  
• Insomnia
  
• Headache
  
• Dizziness
  
• Dry Mouth
  
• Sweating
• Tiredness
• Constipation
• Inability to urinate
• Loss of appetite

Both of these two types of medications also carry risk of dependency and have a long list of withdrawal related symptoms when trying to stop taking them.
SSRI withdrawal can include: Dizziness, vertigo, confusion and irritability, lethargy, flu like symptoms (chills, muscle aches, muscle twitching, etc.), and worsening or increased depression. Some patients report suicidal thoughts.
SNRI withdrawal can include: Anxiety, urgent need to urinate, diarrhea, dizziness, flu like symptoms(chills, muscle aches, muscle twitching, etc.), and worsening or increased depression. Some patients report suicidal thoughts.

Now, all that said, I am in no way saying that one should not ever be on these medications or that there is never a need for them. What I am saying is that CBD should be a 1st resort and these potentially damaging medications should be the last resort. CBD has had so much success treating the same symptoms that these medications treat without the nasty side effects. I myself have seen a drastic decline in my anxiety/depression as well as ADHD. (See my other Anxiety post for more details of my story) I was able to completely quit all prescription medications and now only take CBD and vitamin B daily. It's rare that I even need an ibuprofen, and when I do I only take one. It's still amazing to me that most days I live pain free after living at a minimum of a 5 on the pain scale since I was a teenager.

Are you at your last resort???  Come stop by, let’s talk. We have some pretty amazing stories of success with CBD, both personally and from our customers. We can help!! Honestly the only thing you have to loose is the anxiety itself. Don't let your social anxiety keep you from visiting our store, I have been exactly where you are right now and completely understand how you are feeling. Sometimes just having someone to talk to that actually understands is half the battle. I have a comfortable couch that you can sit on and talk to me about anything you want.

Here is another wonderful article that lists some simple things to do to calm your mind and spirit.

Below is a fun (although accurate) little video called " Me vs. Anxiety " from Juggling The Jenkins

https://youtu.be/FdSIjZGWW7w

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease