The Anxiety “Experience”
Like so many others in my generation (millennial here, hello!), I have anxiety. I mean, are you really a millennial if you don’t talk about being a millennial with anxiety? But anyways, throughout my twenty-eight years of life my anxiety has worsened and two years ago I had my first panic attack. I had no idea what it really was at the time, but it was scary. I was at work and had been feeling “off” as I sometimes do in the morning but blew it off as usual. I had my morning cup of coffee (because that’s what millennials do), followed by a few high-pressure situations at work, and on top of that was met with several demands placed on me at once.
I work in an incredibly busy children’s hospital, and I very clearly remember walking (more like power walking or lightly jogging) down a hallway to help consult with a physician. Several others were paging me at once, a family in the hallway was vying for my attention and help, and a nurse was calling my name to answer her pressing questions. My thoughts started to race and jump around, the walls started to feel closer and closer, my vision became tunneled and blurred, and then… BAM. I fainted.
Dealing With Anxiety & Panic Attacks
I was lucky to be working in a place where I was surrounded by medical professionals who were able to check my blood pressure, head, heart rate, oxygen levels, and practically everything else that could be checked when one faints. I was completely fine when I came to, but it was scary. And I will admit, slightly embarrassing. I honestly didn’t understand what had happened until I started to ask other colleagues at the hospital for their opinions and also by doing my own research. After all, who doesn’t like a little Web MD search that makes you think you’re dying before coming to the conclusion that it’s just a case of anxiety? I began to understand that I had experienced a panic attack that day, and the “off” feeling that had been happening in the mornings, and some evenings too, was anxiety amping up my nervous system.
I couldn’t afford therapy at the time and I loved my stressful job too much to quit or “take it down a notch.” I was also not willing to give up my daily coffee even though I know it makes my anxiety worse, and I probably should with or without anxiety. I’m also fairly resistant to take prescription pills because even though I am a doctor, I work with doctors, and I love doctors as people, I don’t like being told what to do by doctors. Maybe that’s part of being a doctor, we make the worst patients. But it is what it is, and I was not going to listen to anyone except myself and my close friend, The Internet. Youths these days, am I right? With that I landed on the conclusion that CBD would be my medication of choice, and that I would yoga- and meditate-away my anxiety. Big shoutout to the people of Reddit for every tip, trick, and story you shared!
CBD And The Best Brand: Seabedee
I have tried countless brands of CBD, several ways of taking or ingesting it, and many varying doses of it. I mean, REALLY, I tried. I’ve slathered myself in CBD lotion, taken full droppers or two of CBD, eaten packages full of CBD gummies, and even put CBD where the sun doesn’t shine – but that’s a story for another day. With all these experiences, some were helpful, and some were, well, not. Pro-tip: don’t take more than one dropper full of CBD if you are not used to it. Also, check the recommended dosage on the packaging.
Then I found Seabedee. I was initially drawn to the brand because honestly, I think the packaging is pretty. But I bought Seabedee brand because it is natural, backed with science, third party lab tested, and the instructions are super clear. I bought and currently use the Calming Blend Oil daily. I first started to notice the biggest difference with my thoughts. I’m not entirely clear on how CBD works in the body or mind, but my thoughts don’t race as much. I also have less days that my body feels “off.” High-anxiety days seem to feel different for everyone, but mine often feel like my body is buzzing and a little electric. It sounds strange, but it’s like I can feel every part of my body working hard to maintain homeostasis. My hands tremble and my legs must keep moving or else I think I might explode. However, since using the Calming Blend these symptoms have lessened every day. I can’t remember having one of those high-anxiety days in the past three or four months, and I used to have them at least once or twice a month.
The oil came with lovely packing of course, and a simple, easy-to-understand card that laid out the dosage for me. I’m always wary of putting new things into my body, but this was too simple to mess up. The taste was slightly earthy, but not in a bad “eating-dirt” way, just in a natural way that was pleasant, like the way that lavender is earthy and delicious. There has obviously been lots of thought and care put into Seabedee’s oils. I knew immediately that this is the creator’s love project that they are passionate about. Also, if you get a chance to try the CBD-infused peach rings they are delicious and are truly a gift from the heavens. I love adding those into my CBD rotation too when I need a little pick-me-up. Kudos to the creators of those little beauties.
CBD As A Helping Hand, Not A Proven Treatment
Now, I’m not saying that I don’t need therapy, or that I shouldn’t bother to see my doctor about my anxiety regularly, or even that my anxiety no longer exists. But I am saying that the CBD has helped. A lot. My thoughts are calmer, my body feels like it can rest, and I definitely haven’t fainted recently. Seabedee’s Calming Blend has been so helpful, in fact, that I’ve bought several more products from Seabedee (ahem, CBD Peach Rings and CBD Bath Bomb) and fully intend to continue to do so. When I commit, I’m fully loyal – that goes for people, plants, animals, and CBD brands. And coffee.
I’m amazed at how well CBD has worked for my anxiety. I do yoga and meditation semi-regularly as well, but I can tell a bigger difference in my body when I forget to take CBD than when I take time off from yoga or meditation. Of course, you should consult with your doctor and seek therapy for anxiety, but maybe it’s worth trying CBD as well. We already know that CBD been clinically proven to help symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental illness, and we can see through personal stories as well that it has positive effects. I truly hope that my own small story has made at least one personal feel less alone in their journey and seek techniques to help quell anxiety. CBD has helped thousands of people, and after my own experience, I truly believe in its healing capabilities. Now go grab your Calming Oil, eat a Peach Ring, go soak in a bathtub with your CBD Bath Bomb, and let those worrying, racing thoughts go.
