The holiday season is upon us, and for many, when the clocks turn back, the winter wind rustles in a negative change in mood. It goes by a variety of names: The Winter Blues, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and Winter Depression, just to name a few. It's easy to get depressed when the weather is gray and gloomy, but this year we have the additional stressors of an on-going pandemic and what continues to be a contentious election season, drastically increasing levels of uncertainty and anxiety.
As humans we crave routine, tradition, and a comfortable level of predictability. The holidays are a time where these elements are on full display. Families gather to eat, fellowship, and share memories. Only this year, much like the rest of 2020, we aren't sure what that's going to look like, and that's really uncomfortable. The combination of the winter blues, an uncertain political climate, and a raging pandemic are a 1-2-3 punch that have us barreling toward a mental health crisis.
The statistics alone are staggering. Since the on-set of the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of adults experiencing symptoms has tripled. In a July survey 53% of adults ages 18+ said that worry and stress from the pandemic had a negative impact on their mental health. The numbers are even worse in young adults ages 18 - 24 with 80% that say they are struggling.
Common symptoms include depression, fatigue, irritability, inability to focus or concentrate, feelings of loneliness, increased stress, anxiety, disruption in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, racing thoughts, and substance abuse. These mental health symptoms are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as headache, nausea/nervous stomach, body aches, high blood pressure, weight gain/loss, and a decreased immune response.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you are not alone and there are many resources out there with helpful tips and suggestions. The one that we focus on at Pure Therapy is the array of positive effects that CBD harnesses in the treatment of any or all of these symptoms. The bonus: CBD has none of the side effects associated with pharmaceuticals, it's completely natural, and it can be formulated to meet your specific needs.
If you're seeking relief from the Winter Blues, looking to boost your mood naturally, or give yourself an extra pop of energy, check out our line of full spectrum natural organic hemp oils.
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