Anxiety, Marijuana: Is There a Correlation Between Anxiety and Marijuana? | Stress Management

By mcps73
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Isn't pot supposed to make you mellow, chill, laid back? Well, it does. That's right it does. The only problem is that it only does that for some of the people, some of the time. Other times and for other people it does just the opposite!

I'm sure you've been there, I sure have! It's not fun. In fact, it can be down right terrifying.

Marijuana is unpredictable and can cause a wide variety of effects. I know personally that when I smoked pot back in high school and college the effect was primarily positive, I used to laugh, feel relaxed, zone out.

However, as I got older and certain stressors in life became overwhelming it started to have another effect entirely. Panic.

I mean a couple of times I had to leave a party and just walk around by my myself for two hours because I was to high to go back into the party. Real fun.

The fact is that marijuana messes with your brain chemistry, it augments whatever you're feeling, good, bad or indifferent. And unfortunately, with repeated use the balance gets more and more out of whack.

I wouldn't say marijuana caused anxiety or panic attacks, but it makes them much, much worse. And also once you have a panic attack your body is learning an irrational behavior, which can make it much more difficult to shut off.

I know, seemingly harmless fun can become really serious. I mean obviously the movie Reefer Madness (portrayl of weed in the 1930's) is a total joke, I'm not going that route on you.

But, for certain people pot can really heighten their anxiety and get them in a pattern of having panic attacks while completely sober. Ouch!

You can definitely get rid of anxiety/panic attacks. There are many things that will help a ton. Diet and exercise are key. With exercise you burn stress hormones and produce endophins which will make you more calm.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is very calming for the nervous systerm, along with supplementing with magnesium. Magnesium is the mineral most responsible for calming nerves, also potassium, eat your greens!

Lastly, and most importantly, at least for me, was learning cognitive behavorial techniques. You can find many of them online. They teach you how to control your brain while having a panic attack so that it goes away. Once you can do this you will have mastery over your panic.

About the Author

Michael Smith is a recovered anxiety and stress-aholic, who suffered from panic attacks and depression for years until he learned how to control them. He's now cool as a cucumber and loving life. To learn more about how to squash your anxiety click on over to http://www.squidoo.com/anxiety-and-lexapro. Blessings.

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