SOS - Panic attacks: This can help!

The fear comes from one second to the next and out of the blue. However, those affected can already see beforehand that such an attack is imminent. For this reason, it is particularly important to observe oneself and to pull the emergency brake beforehand. At the same time, CBD oil can be used to combat panic attacks. As users report, the attacks are not only weakened, but also occur less frequently. However, not only CBD oil can help, but also other factors play a role in preventing anxiety and panic attacks. 

Was sind Panikattacken?

In just a few seconds, everything spins, you break out in a sweat, your vision blurs, your heart races and you start to sweat. These symptoms of a panic attack are just an example and do not have to occur all at once. Nevertheless, they are often the same. Unfortunately, there is no explanation as to why the attacks occur suddenly and so far there is no cure for them. However, they can be minimised with a few things.
The problem is that anxiety and panic attacks creep up quietly and then strike suddenly. They attack quickly and without reason and the sufferer can then do almost nothing. This is mainly because the extreme racing of the heart means that hardly anyone can concentrate on what is happening and the sufferer is then completely helpless.
However, there are some things that can be done to combat panic attacks. The most important thing is that the person affected keeps a close eye on themselves. This is because the attacks usually announce themselves well in advance and it is then of great importance that the person affected concentrates on keeping the panic attack at bay.

What are the physical and psychological symptoms of a panic attack? 

Fear cannot be grasped, which is why it is difficult for sufferers to describe the problem. Especially for outsiders, this type of panic is irrational, as they do not know what they can do and, like the sufferer, are overwhelmed.
Moreover, many sufferers do not know for a long time that they are suffering from anxiety or panic attacks because they rarely go to the doctor because of excessive sweating, heart palpitations or dizziness. This means that panic attacks are often only recognised at a very late stage. But since the symptoms are also very varied, misdiagnoses are unfortunately not uncommon. Even heart attacks have been diagnosed instead of panic attacks.

How are panic attacks triggered?

Actually, our fear is extremely sensible and a good protective mechanism of our body. Because fear shows us within milliseconds that we have to react because danger is imminent. This means that the body releases more adrenaline and the blood pressure goes up.
The advantage is that the panic attack is always limited in time because our body can only release a certain amount of hormones. This means that it is not possible for the organism to have the attack for a longer period of time. During an anxiety or panic attack, the person affected can therefore be sure that it will soon be over again and thus create a positive feeling.
However, most attacks peak after a few minutes and then slowly subside.

The symptoms of a panic attack

Panic attacks can have different symptoms, as each person is individual. The same applies to the occurrence of the attacks. For some, there are reasons, while others appear for no apparent reason. Anyone who suffers from the following symptoms should see a doctor and have the symptoms clarified:

• Fear of bad luck or other things
• Tension
• Eye flickering
• Derealisation: The familiar environment suddenly seems alien.
• Depersonalisation: Your own person is perceived as a stranger
• Tightness in throat and chest
• Palpitations
• High blood pressure
• Stomach problems
• Dry mouth
• Feeling faint
• Sudden cold or heat
• Sleep disturbances
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Restlessness
• Nausea
• Soft knees
• Trembling

At the same time, you should also express your suspicions about anxiety and panic attacks in order to rule out any possible misdiagnosis.

What to do about anxiety and panic attacks? 

The most important thing with anxiety and panic attacks is to observe your body. Nutrition also plays a major role. Sport and exercise as well as relaxation are also important factors. Thinking positively is also a point to be able to better deal with the panic attack. CBD oil can also be taken as a preventive measure. 

How does CBD oil help with panic attacks?

Anxiety disorders are usually treated with various therapies. In addition to psychotropic drugs, which often have strong side effects, psychotherapy is also used. Unfortunately, the waiting times for therapists are long and the affected person often has to wait more than two years for therapy. CBD oil can be an important helper here. On the one hand, CBD oil is natural and almost free of side effects, unlike psychotropic drugs, and on the other hand, it is an excellent way to bridge the time between therapies.
Some studies have already shown that CBD oil can help to prevent anxiety and panic attacks and to alleviate them when they occur. This is due to the fact that cannabidiol has an anxiety-reducing effect and is therefore perfectly suited for use in panic attacks.

The effect of CBD oil 

Cannabidiol, the active ingredient from the hemp plant, has a clear therapeutic benefit, as has been found out in many studies and investigations. At the same time, no person concerned has to worry that CBD oil has an intoxicating effect. This is not the case, as cannabidiol has no psychoactive effect. CBD has a relaxing and calming effect and can thus help sufferers to cope better with attacks. At the same time, the active ingredient relieves anxiety, so that attacks are not only reduced, but can also be less severe. 

Use of CBD oil for anxiety and panic attacks

To prevent panic attacks, it is important that CBD oil is taken regularly. It is often sufficient to take 3 to 6 drops daily, divided into two doses. At the beginning of the intake, 3 drops of CBD oil 5 % are dropped under the tongue in the morning for four days. After four days, the dosage can then be increased to 2 x 3 drops per day.
Since CBD is not a miracle cure, it may take a few weeks before the cannabidiol really takes effect. It does not mean that one takes CBD and then no more panic attacks occur. You have to be patient. Usually, however, a clear improvement is noticeable after a few weeks.
CBD is, in contrast to psychotropic drugs, an excellent and natural alternative to reduce anxiety attacks. At the same time, however, everyone should be aware that diet, relaxation as well as sport and exercise play a major role in panic attacks. If you are mindful of your body and listen to your symptoms, you can get a good grip on anxiety and panic attacks with CBD and a small change in lifestyle.

Sources:

Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015 Oct;12(4):825-36. doi: 10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1. PMID: 26341731; PMCID: PMC4604171.

Schier AR, Ribeiro NP, Silva AC, Hallak JE, Crippa JA, Nardi AE, Zuardi AW. Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an anxiolytic drug. Braz J Psychiatry. 2012 Jun;34 Suppl 1:S104-10. English, Portuguese. doi: 10.1590/s1516-44462012000500008. PMID: 22729452.

Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H, Hughes S. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. Perm J. 2019;23:18-041. doi: 10.7812/TPP/18-041. PMID: 30624194; PMCID: PMC6326553.