Taking care of mental health is important for individuals of any age and gender. Certain social stigmas, like the expectation that men have to hold back their emotions, keep many from seeking the mental health care they need and deserve.
Enter CBD, which can help support improved mental health. In support of Men's Health Month in June, we’ll dive into how CBD and other cannabinoids may help improve focus, sleep, and mood – each of which plays a vital role in men's overall mental health.
Seeking Support for Men's Mental Health
A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found that only 35% of men are willing to seek mental health care from a medical professional, compared to 58% of women. This reluctance highlights a significant gap in mental health support for men, who may feel societal pressure to appear strong and self-reliant, often preventing them from seeking necessary help.
Living with mental health conditions can disrupt daily activities, affecting both personal and work life. Men suffering from everyday stress or mood disorders often struggle with sleep issues, mood changes, brain fog, and racing thoughts, all of which impact their quality of life. These symptoms can make it challenging to maintain relationships, perform well at work, and enjoy hobbies or activities.
Mental health professionals can provide a range of support options, from counseling and therapy to medication and holistic approaches like CBD. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes, helping men regain control over their lives and improve their overall well-being. Remember, taking the first step towards seeking help can make a significant difference in your quality of life and long-term well-being.
CBD Benefits for Men's Mental Health
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, acts on more than 65 receptors in the brain. Because of this, it is thought to potentially affect serotonin levels. Serotonin is a hormone that is responsible for managing mood. CBD offers a natural alternative that may help improve symptoms of everyday stress, mood regulation, and poor sleep. While CBD is not a substitute for medical care, it could help bridge the gap for men experiencing mental stress.
Mood Regulation
CBD has shown potential in supporting mood regulation by positively affecting the brain's serotonin receptors. A 2020 meta-analysis highlighted CBD as a beneficial holistic support method for mood disorders. Additionally, a study involving over 2,000 participants found that one in six individuals reported that CBD helped manage their mood disorders. Similarly, THCV, or tetrahydrocannabivarin, is another cannabinoid studied for its mood-enhancing properties, offering a sense of well-being that can aid those experiencing mood disorders.
Everyday Stress
CBD offers a natural solution for managing everyday stress by promoting a sense of calm. Its interaction with the endocannabinoid system helps modulate the body's stress responses, making daily pressures easier to handle. By potentially reducing physiological stress markers, CBD can provide a more balanced and composed state of mind. Additionally, Delta 9 THC is known for its mood-enhancing properties, inducing feelings of euphoria and relaxation that may significantly alleviate symptoms of everyday stress.
Cognitive Health
CBD may enhance cognitive function by improving focus and energy levels. By potentially reducing stress and improving sleep, CBD can help men feel more alert and concentrated during the day. This can be particularly beneficial for those struggling to maintain focus due to everyday stress. Additionally, CBG, or cannabigerol, has been studied for its neuroprotective properties, helping protect brain cells from damage to support overall cognitive health, while THCV has also been suggested to provide energizing and focusing effects.
Social Interaction
Having social connections and a support system can be a powerful tool in supporting men’s mental health. Unfortunately, social anxiety can significantly impact one's ability to interact with others comfortably. CBD's potential to reduce stressful symptoms can help men feel more at ease in social situations, fostering better social interactions and improving overall quality of life. By alleviating the stress that can hinder social engagement, CBD supports a more relaxed and confident approach to social interaction, enhancing mental well-being.
Sleep Support
Quality sleep is vital for mental health, and CBD has been explored as a potential aid for promoting better sleep. By promoting relaxation and reducing everyday stress, CBD can help improve sleep patterns, leading to better rest and, consequently, better mental health. CBN, or cannabinol, is another cannabinoid that may help promote a sense of deep relaxation. CBN is often referred to as “the sleepy cannabinoid”, and can be paired with CBD for the entourage effect and even further sleep support.
Choosing the Right CBD Product for You
Interested in giving CBD a try to help improve your mental health? If so, knowing where to start and which products to invest in is an important first step. at cbdMD, we offer a variety of high-quality CBD products designed for every one of your mental health needs, from reducing everyday stress to improving cognitive health. We offer a wide selection of different products, including tinctures, gummies, capsules, and topicals, to meet every man's needs.
Tinctures
Our Broad Spectrum CBG + CBD Oil Tincture has calming properties that may be helpful for men struggling with everyday stress or poor mood, along with potential cognitive health benefits. Or, for a mental wind down at the end of the day, try the Deep Relax Tincture with a relaxing combination of CBD, CBN, THC, and CBG. Tinctures are versatile because they can be used in your mouth and mixed into drinks, smoothies, or recipes.
Gummies
The Broad Spectrum CBD Gummies from cbdMD are another great option for men looking to support their mental health. Made with organic sweeteners, oil, and juices, these gummies not only taste delicious but are also easy to take on-the-go whenever you need them. CBD gummies may help improve symptoms of everyday stress, promote a sense of relaxation, and provide a mood boost.
Capsules
For those seeking a convenient and precise way to incorporate CBD into their routine, cbdMD's Broad Spectrum CBD Capsules are an excellent choice. Each capsule contains a pre-measured dose of CBD, making them easy to take on-the-go or as part of your daily supplement regimen. Capsules are ideal for men with busy lifestyles who want a discreet and hassle-free way to support their mental health needs.
Holistically Supporting Men’s Mental Health
Many men who use CBD regularly report positive effects on their everyday health and wellness. This Men's Health Month, try CBD for men and see how it can support your overall health and wellness goals.
Enhancing your mental health takes a multi-faceted approach. Alongside the addition of CBD to your routine, consider these tips to help enhance your mental health naturally:
- Try mindfulness and meditation techniques.
- Eat healthy, well-rounded meals when possible.
- Find a type of exercise you enjoy and create a regular movement routine. Walking has been shown to help promote improved mental health.
- Find support in connecting with others, including friends and family.
If you're looking to improve your mental health and wellness, CBD may offer benefits worth consideration. cbdMD offers a great selection of CBD products made with real, high-quality ingredients and no fillers. Explore our helpful CBD quiz today to help you determine which type of CBD may be best for you.