The past year has pushed our mental health to the limits thanks in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression and anxiety are on the rise and for good reasons. Many are dealing with health concerns, grief, unemployment, homeschooling and loneliness, along with the threat of natural disasters and a contentious political climate. It’s clear: 2020 has been a bad year for mental health. In fact, 40% of all US adults reported struggling with mental health issues according to a report by the CDC.

“We’ve seen a significant increase of anxiety in our patient population related to the pandemic,” Dr. Carolyn Weisswasser, a naturopathic doctor from Grass Valley, California, says. “Uncertainties about the future, fears of contracting the virus and infecting others has caused anxiety for people who never had it before.” So what can we do to heal and protect ourselves? 

Here’s the good news: Turns out a lot. Adopt a healthy diet and exercise routine. Safely connect with friends and family. Even if that means connecting digitally through Facetime or Zoom, you’re still getting the important benefits of social interaction. Unplug and spend time in nature. Just walking in the forest can lower blood pressure and fight depression.

But what if you’re still struggling? For some, medication may be necessary. For many though, a natural supplement will work wonders—without the negative effects of prescription drugs. “Natural” means plant-based and non-habit forming with a low risk of side effects or overdose. “Plant-based medicines can be a great help for anxiety and other conditions that are aggravated by stress,” says Weisswasser.

CBD marries time-tested botanicals with cutting-edge science, to provide extra support during this unprecedented mental health crisis. These organic plant-based formulas can encourages a calm, peaceful mood and helps foster emotional resilience in the face of stress and uncertainty.

CBD & CBDA work with your body’s Endocannabinoid System—an internal biological system that plays a role in regulating immune function, pain sensation, energy, mood, memory and more. It helps create a state of homeostasis, or balance, within the body. Cannabinoids, including CBD & CBDA interact with receptors in the Endocannabinoid System to help support that homeostasis. Since your body naturally produces its own cannabinoids, it’s perfectly set up to process CBD & CBDA and take in its benefits.

CBD & CBDA have a long list of potential therapeutic benefits including lowering anxiety, creating a sense of calm, reducing inflammation and nausea, supporting immune function and relieving pain, “And no, they won’t make you high. That’s because they're derived from the hemp plant which contains very low levels of THC—the substance in marijuana that makes you feel high.”

Despite all the challenges, there have been some silver linings to this strange era. Spending more time with family, working from home in the comfort of your pajamas and rediscovering outdoor activities come to mind. And for some, 2020 has also provided more time and space for reflection. “It has presented an opportunity for people to delve into their mental health in ways they may not have had time to before,” says Weisswasser. “People are turning inward and looking for therapies that promote wellness.” And at any time that’s a good thing.