Nearly 225 million Americans of all ages experience some type of traumatic event in their lives. Under the best of circumstances, victims of trauma are able to move on, but many are left with lingering effects that fall under post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At Coastal Wellness Centers, we understand the life-changing effects that PTSD can have on a person, and we’re here to help. With medical cannabis, we can successfully reduce the symptoms of PTSD and free you from the prison of this condition.
To help you better understand the problem, let us debunk a few myths about PTSD.
Trauma Involves Death
PTSD is often associated with veterans who have witnessed death and/or destruction. Lesser known is that trauma is found just as often off the battlefield. To give you an idea of the extent of the problem, examples of trauma include:
Sexual assault
Neglect or abuse
Loss
Natural disasters
Medical interventions
Witnessing an accident
These are just a few examples, and trauma is unique to the individual.
PTSD Is Mainly Flashbacks
While flashbacks are certainly one of the more common symptoms of PTSD, the problem extends far beyond reliving the event. Many people who suffer from PTSD struggle with mood changes and depression. In fact, PTSD can cast a wide net over your overall wellness and affect everything from your sleep to cognitive function.
It’s important to remember that there’s no set list of symptoms of PTSD. If you’re struggling to re-acclimate to the world after a traumatic event, the odds are you’re suffering from some degree of PTSD.
PTSD Is A Sign Of Weakness
This statement is emphatically false. We’ve already discussed PTSD among war vets, who are arguably some of the bravest people among us. Not to mention the courageous children who witness terrible events or who are victims of abuse. PTSD is a biological illness that has serious repercussions and should be treated as any other illness, such as cardiovascular disease.
PTSD Leads To Violence
Perhaps you’ve seen a TV show in which a veteran becomes unhinged or dangerous. Well, that’s Hollywood. Most people with PTSD turn inward and avoid the world around them.
You Simply Need To Get Over It
As we’ve mentioned, PTSD is a biological illness with moderate-to-severe neurological consequences. PTSD often requires a multi-pronged approach, which includes psychotherapy and certain medications. At our practice, we understand the role that medical cannabis plays in alleviating the symptoms of PTSD by working with your endocannabinoid system, which plays a large role in your central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as with the neurotransmitters in your brain. With medical marijuana, we tap into this system to rewire your brain for improved function.