I used to have a checklist to keep myself sane. Did I drink water? Did I exercise? Did I meditate? Do I feel normal? I went through this checklist every time that I felt “off”, to try to rationalize my anxiety. It was exhausting. I know that it sounds strange but it was a way to stop my brain from spiraling.
I had my first panic attack two years ago. I tried three different SSRIs each one causing nausea, more anxiety or just the feeling of making me want to scream and run away. I remember thinking why do all of these medications relieve one symptom but cause another. Meditation, exercise, sleep, and therapy all helped, but there were still days that I felt disconnected with my body and on edge.
A friend recommended trying hemp
My friend, Caroline, told me about a new hemp company, Bace, and I decided to try it out. I knew that everyone's sensitivity is different to hemp, so I decided to start with the 7-day Discovery Pack to monitor the benefits of different strengths. I ordered it online on a Monday and to my surprise it showed up just two days later.
It was really exciting to open the package. I read through the whole pamphlet to get a sense of what the next week would be like. I usually don't take the time to reflect on how my body is feeling but I was determined to follow through for these seven days.
It was less about what I felt, and more about what I wasn't feeling.
I started off the next morning by taking the Day 1 packet. It starts at just 10mg which seemed pretty approachable. I took it with my other vitamins and went about my day. I didn't notice too much the first few days, but by day three, I felt a real impact. It was less about what I felt, and more about what I wasn't feeling. My racing mind slowed down, and I felt more in the moment. Things that would bother me in the past bothered me less. It was only when I was telling a funny story to my mom on the phone that I noticed that I had an almost worry-free day. And for someone who usually worries about about not tying my shoelaces tight enough, that's kind of a miracle.
Adding hemp to my routine
I ended up finding that 25mg was the best strength for me. I ordered the Duo Standard so I could use 25mg for regular days, and 35mg when I needed an extra boost. As an extra benefit, I found myself getting better rest at night since my mind wasn't racing.
As an extra benefit, I found myself getting better rest at night since my mind wasn't racing.
With hemp, I finally felt like me again and have been spending more time enjoying what I love. Painting, seeing my friends, and biking through nature. I'm so relieved to have found an alternative that is both effective and completely natural. If you're like me, consider picking up a Discovery Pack and seeing if hemp might help you too.