Between work, family and finances, it’s safe to say that we all feel wound up once and awhile. Stress is our body’s biological response to help protect itself against perceived threats. For this reason, experiencing stress once and a while is perfectly natural. But when the condition becomes a chronic, everyday occurrence, it can have major consequences on our health.
27% of working Canadians report experiencing extreme levels of stress every day. These prolonged and frequent episodes can result in a variety of physical symptoms including digestive issues, headaches, sleeplessness, and irritability.
In addition to impacting our physical health, stress can also affect our mental health. With conditions like anxiety and depression on the rise, finding safe and effective ways to deal with stress is imperative.
Finding natural coping mechanisms
Finding ways to relax and wind down is essential to reducing the risk of developing the uncomfortable symptoms associated with chronic stress.
Many people find success in managing their mental state through some tried and true methods:
- Listening to music
- Getting outdoors
- Physical activity
- Meditation
- Reading
Unfortunately, many people turn to unhealthy coping strategies when they find themselves feeling stressed out. Behaviours like overeating, avoiding social outings and self-medicating are all examples of how people try to curb their symptoms. Attempting to manage mental health in this manner can often worsen the situation, and day-to-day life can begin to feel overwhelming.
Cannabis to support better mental health
We have seen the effects of chronic stress here at Revolution Medical Cannabis, and we believe a multidisciplinary approach is the best way to deal with the condition. If your mental health is impacting your life, it may be time to consult your doctor on which treatment options will work best for you.
Cannabis can be an effective method to reduce stress and supplement your health regime. But as we mentioned earlier, self-medicating is a harmful route when it comes to dealing with mental health.
If you’re considering trying cannabis to manage your stress and anxiety, we strongly encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider and make an appointment with our team. In addition to making recommendations regarding strain and dosage, our staff of professionals will explain how cannabinoids are actively impacting your stress levels. For example, our Cann-Experts will break down how this powerful plant can:
- Mimic the effects of SSRI’s, which can increase signalling through serotonin receptors, reducing anxiety in some cases
- Improve sleep quality allowing the body to deal more efficiently with stress
- Support the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help regulate mood
Cannabis for Stress
Visit our Calgary and Edmonton Medical Cannabis Clinics
Our Calgary and Edmonton cannabis prescribing doctors can help suggest a treatment plan to help manage your stress. Our team will guide you in selecting a licensed producer as well as the registration.
Appointments for Alberta residents are free and covered by Alberta Health Services. Prior to your medical consultation with one of our licensed physicians, you will be educated on how medical cannabis works in our body and how it reacts to our endocannabinoid system.
During your education session with a Cann-Expert, you will learn:
- The main differences between an Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid strain
- Benefits of THC, CBD, and Balanced strains
- The body’s unique Endocannabinoid Systems (ECS)
- The timing of inhalation vs ingestion
At the time of your consultation, your Revolution Medical Cannabis doctor will review your medical history and ensure that cannabis will not conflict with any medications you’re currently taking.
Treating mental health is a multidisciplinary approach; your doctor may also refer you to a psychologist.
