Overwhelming coursework, social media, and extracurricular activities often leave college students feeling anxious and overwhelmed. As per a report, 75% of college graduates suffer from anxiety. They can develop generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or suffer from panic attacks. Let’s discuss the use of CBD oil for anxiety and whether it can treat social anxiety.
What is Social Anxiety?
The ADAA defines social anxiety as a mental health condition where you suffer from an intense and consistent fear of other people watching and judging you.
Having social anxiety can make it difficult to manage schoolwork and engage with peers. You may also isolate yourself from others as a way to battle with your symptoms. If you are forced to participate, then this can induce increased levels of anxiety and distress.
Social anxiety can also manifest in the form of physical symptoms. These include:
- Elevated heart rate
- Increased perspiration
- Nausea
- Breathing difficulties
- Panic attacks
If left untreated, social anxiety can instill excessive fear of social situations within you. You may even decline job opportunities that require engaging with people.
People suffering from social anxiety are also at risk of depression and alcohol use disorders.
Can College Students Use CBD Oil for Anxiety?
There are many ways to treat social anxiety in college students. Standard treatments include psychotherapy and taking medication such as:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Beta-blockers
- Benzodiazepines
- Antidepressants
You can also use CBD oil for anxiety. CBD or cannabidiol is one of the 100 cannabinoids found in hemp or marijuana. It can have positive effects on the nervous system. It does not induce the ‘high’ typically associated with marijuana.
Studies have shown CBD to be effective in managing the symptoms associated with social anxiety. The cannabinoid interacts with the endocannabinoid system in our body and helps in:
- Regulating your mood
- Reducing inflammation
- Managing emotions
- Improving coordination
- Reducing pain.
According to a 2011 study, a single dose of CBD can reduce the fear of social interactions and speaking in public. It can help college students with social anxiety manage their symptoms and engage with their peers more easily. A more recent study corroborates the positive impact of CBD on young adults. It can decrease anxiety in people who have social phobia.
The use of CBD can significantly improve students’ quality of life and help them achieve professional success. It can also help them make friends more easily and form meaningful relationships. This can reduce the risk of depression and prevent their condition from getting worse.
Wrapping It Up
CBD oil is not recommended as a standard treatment for social anxiety. However, it can help counteract the symptoms of this condition in college students. If you are considering using CBD oil for anxiety, then we recommend you consult a doctor first. CBD oil does not have any side-effects. However, it would help if you got a professional opinion that accounts for your medical history before proceeding.
