May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about mental health issues and the resources available to those who may be struggling. One mental health condition that deserves attention is PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, and it can have a significant impact on their quality of life.
Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulties, upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping. With time and good self-care, they usually get better. If symptoms last more than a few months, it may be PTSD.
SYMPTOMS can vary, but are usually described as:
- Intrusive thoughts
- Avoidance
- Negative changes in thinking and mood
- Changes in physical and emotional reactions
STATISTICS:
- About 6 out of every 100 people (or 6% of the population) will have PTSD at some point in their lives.
- About 12 million adults in the U.S. have PTSD during a given year. This is only a small portion of those who have gone through a trauma.
- About 8 of every 100 women (or 8%) develop PTSD sometime in their lives compared with about 4 of every 100 men (or 4%). Learn more about women, trauma and PTSD.
TREATMENTS usually involve psychotherapies and medications:
- Traditional treatments for PTSD involve talk therapy and medication, but alternative therapies such as medical cannabis is an approved treatment option in many states.
- Medical cannabis can be helpful for managing anxiety, a common symptom of PTSD. Studies have suggested that medical cannabis may be able to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which may be beneficial for individuals with PTSD.
- Sleep disturbances are also common in individuals with PTSD, and medical cannabis may be able to help with this symptom. Some studies have suggested that medical cannabis may be able to improve sleep quality and reduce nightmares in individuals with PTSD.
- While medical cannabis shows promise as a potential treatment for PTSD, it’s important to note that it’s not legal in all states and may not be covered by insurance. It’s also important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan, as medical cannabis may not be appropriate for everyone.
- Additionally, more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks associated with medical cannabis use for PTSD. It’s possible that medical cannabis may exacerbate certain PTSD symptoms or interact negatively with other medications.
- Despite these potential limitations, medical cannabis is a promising treatment option for individuals with PTSD. As we continue to raise awareness about mental health issues during Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to explore all potential treatment options and support individuals in their journey to manage their mental health.
In conclusion, PTSD is a serious mental health condition that affects many individuals, and traditional treatments may not work for everyone. Medical cannabis is one alternative therapy that may be helpful for managing certain PTSD symptoms, but it’s important to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks and work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan. If using medical cannabis, using the best strains and forms of cannabis and cannabinoid products is a focus of ours. We can help you with PTSD evaluations as well as finding the best products to help you. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s continue to support individuals in their journey to manage their mental health and explore all potential treatment options.
Call 614-636-5003 or online at GreenHarvest.Health to schedule your personalized evaluation.
There are many organizations that provide support and resources for people with mental health conditions and their loved ones. Some of these organizations include:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the United States and provides education, support, and advocacy for people affected by mental illness.
Mental Health America: Mental Health America is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health and preventing mental illness.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA is a government agency that works to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on communities.
Words4Light is a nonprofit providing a place for anyone to make the world a brighter place by writing letters. The community writes kind letters and Words 4 light finds an appropriate audience! Words 4 Light collects letters on our website, social media and distributes letters to collaborating organizations and individuals in need of support.
Crisis Text Line: The Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support for people in crisis. Simply text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
