The present situation we all find ourselves in as a result of COVID-19, or the coronavirus, can bring on some unpleasant effects. Feelings of intense anxiety, upset, sadness, irritability, insomnia and fear along with instances of vivid nightmares and flashbacks are extremely common as we deal with the daily changes in our lives due to the pandemic.
Something many people don’t know is that these experiences are related to a chronic psychiatric disorder called post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Most people associate this term with a condition that results from an experience like being in a war or a terrorist attack. However, events such as what we are experiencing now with the coronavirus can also result in PTSD. For example, following the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003, a large number of people who had been self-quarantined, as well as health care workers, found themselves dealing with the symptoms of PTSD. At LifeCannMD our primary goal is to support patients seeking effective cannabis-based treatments and PTSD, as well as insomnia and anxiety are a few of the qualifying conditions for Medical Marijuana use in Miami.
Dr. Fernando Fandinõ-Sende is prepared knowing that COVID-19 may have the same effect on a significant portion of society. Even if a person is not diagnosed with PTSD, experts have cautioned that it is still possible to experience an intense emotional reaction to trauma brought on by the pandemic. These reactions may continue long after the pandemic has ended.
Take a break from the media
It’s easy for anyone to become overwhelmed with all the bad news and negativity coming from the media these days. It can be impossible to know what is real and what isn’t. Turn off your TV, computer, or radio and leave the world to itself for a while.
Pay attention to symptoms of PTSD
Be aware of your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Things like nightmares, flashbacks, insomnia, extreme irritability or stress, and dwelling on sad or upsetting thoughts or memories are all indications that a problem may be trying to develop. Go outdoors for a walk and plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Pause everything and read a good book. If these simple adjustments are not helping, it is best to speak with your doctor about PTSD from Covid-19.
Take note of how long suspected PTSD symptoms last
Having an intense response to a traumatic event is absolutely normal. These usually fade away over time. If they don’t go away, however, after approximately 4 months, then it is time to find a therapist who can help you to stop these reactions from turning into long-term issues. PTSD is a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in Florida. LifeCannMD is conveniently located in Miami and offer house visits for those with severe PTSD symptoms.
Remember the acronym: T. E.B
These letters stand for Thoughts, Emotions, and Behaviors, it is very important to pay attention to how you are talking to yourself and how the things you are saying are affecting your thoughts and actions. Using products like CBD can calm your anxiety that can help your emotional state. LifeCannMD offers CBD products (available on our website without a prescription).
How Cannabis Plays a Crucial Role in Coping with PTSD
The cannabinoid system plays a role in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). According to experts, medical marijuana may help with global improvement of PTSD symptoms and has been listed as a qualifying condition for medical use of smokeable marijuana in Florida.
A 2015 study authored by Stephanie Yarnell MD, Ph.D. evaluated a collection of control and observational studies for evidence of cannabis as a method to treat PTSD, and concluded that many of them “suggests a decrease in PTSD symptoms with marijuana use.”
If you find your thought patterns becoming dark, depressing, and upsetting, choose a healthy coping mechanism such as talking to a friend, a loved one and/or contact your doctor. Dr. Fernando Fandiño-Sende, a Board Certified Internal Medicine Doctor and Cardiologist and founder of LifeCannMD takes every patient seriously and will provide compassionate care throughout your initial consultation process. We offer no-risk consultations, so you can begin the process whether or not you’re entirely sure you qualify for medical marijuana.
