Finding Peace Within: CBD and Holistic Approaches for Veterans' Well-Being

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude." - Harry S. Truman

 As we approach the holiday season, a time traditionally associated with celebration and joy, we acknowledge that it can also evoke feelings of sadness and stress for some. At RIGHTEOUS Hemp Co, veterans hold a special place in our hearts for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding our Freedom of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Thanks to the dedication of veterans and those currently in service, we can revel in the festivities with friends and family, cherishing the freedom to practice our religion and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas – the birth of our Lord and Savior.

However, we recognize that the holiday season may pose unique challenges, especially for our veterans and their loved ones. It is crucial to address the potential difficulties they might face during this time. In light of this, we want to explore how CBD, among other supportive strategies, can play a role in promoting the mental health and well-being of veterans and their families during the holiday season. By delving into these discussions, we aim to offer insights and resources that may assist in navigating the challenges that can arise during this significant time of the year.

Understanding the Challenges: 

The transition from military to civilian life can introduce a myriad of challenges for veterans, significantly impacting not only their mental health but also the dynamics within their families. Conditions such as PTSD, TBIs, depression, and anxiety can cast a long shadow, underscoring the importance for both veterans and their loved ones to actively seek effective and accessible solutions. As these challenges persist, it becomes imperative to foster an environment that encourages open dialogue and support, fostering resilience and well-being during this critical period of adjustment.

CBD and Veterans - A Potential Support System:

Veterans may find CBD to be a beneficial option for addressing various challenges associated with military service and the transition to civilian life. CBD has been studied for its potential to alleviate stress and anxiety, manage sleep issues, and provide relief from chronic pain, which is common among veterans. With minimal side effects and a non-intoxicating nature, CBD offers an appealing alternative to traditional medications. Its legal status and complementary nature make it accessible and part of a holistic approach to mental health. While research is still undergoing there are articles in recent years that point to CBD having the potential to regulate mood, provide restful sleep, aid in reducing neuroinflammation and is non-addictive.

Harmony for the Mind: CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, may offer a sense of balance for veterans dealing with anxiety and stress. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD shows potential in regulating mood and promoting a sense of calm.  (Guarnotta, 2021)

Restful Nights: Sleep disturbances are common among veterans, often linked to mental health challenges. CBD's relaxing properties may contribute to improved sleep quality, offering a potential respite from the insomnia that plagues many. (McDermot, 2023)

Guardianship for the Brain: CBD's neuroprotective qualities hold promise for veterans dealing with traumatic brain injuries. Research suggests that CBD may help reduce neuroinflammation, offering a potential safeguard for long-term brain health. (Tripson, M., Litwa, K. & Soderstrom, K., 2023)

Non-Addictive Relief: Unlike some traditional medications, CBD is not habit-forming. This characteristic makes it an appealing option for veterans and their loved ones seeking relief without the risk of dependence. (Grinspoon, 2021)

Complementary Approaches for Veterans and Families:

Recognizing that healing is a collaborative journey, veterans and their loved ones can also benefit from incorporating the following strategies:

Unified Support: Attend therapy sessions together or encourage open communication about mental health within the family. Understanding and empathy can strengthen the support network.

Mindfulness for All: Practices like mindfulness and meditation can benefit both veterans and their loved ones. These practices offer tools to manage stress collectively, promoting a sense of connection and resilience

Active Participation: Engaging in physical activities as a family fosters overall well-being. Whether it's a family hike, a shared yoga session, or participating in  team sports, the bonding experience can contribute to improved mood. If you live within states of Florida or Colorado and are a veteran or know a veteran than check out Reel Adventure Kayak (RAK) Fishing Association. RAK Fishing takes veterans kayak fishing to help combat PTSD, TBIs, depression and anxiety. They do all this for free to help reduce veteran suicide within the states of Florida and Colorado.

Healthy Habits: Nourishing the body with a balanced diet benefits everyone. Consider exploring nutritional supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, as a family to support mental health.

Ultimately our goal at RIGHTEOUS Hemp Co is to educate individuals about the benefits of CBD and to help them on their journey. If you need a recommendation of where to start we recommend trying our RIGHTEOUS CBD Gummies, as they are 25mg of deliciousness and a low enough dose to give it a start. If you need something stronger or want a faster onset of effects then we recommend our Lemon Zen CBD Oil. 

 Sources:

Guarnotta, 2021. https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/alternative-treatments/cbd-depression-treatment

McDermot, 2023. https://www.forbes.com/health/cbd/cbd-for-sleep/#:~:text=While%20more%20research%20is%20needed,to%20sleep%2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20Dr

Tripson, M., Litwa, K. & Soderstrom, K. Cannabidiol inhibits neuroinflammatory responses and circuit-associated synaptic loss following damage to a songbird vocal pre-motor cortical-like region. Sci Rep 13, 7907 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-34924-z

Grinspoon, 2021. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476

IMG https://www.salon.com/2022/10/01/how-religious-freedom-became-a-right-wing-on-equality-and-the-rule-of-law/