The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of daily life for Canadians in unimaginable ways. Thousands of businesses closed their doors or cut back on hours with millions of Canadians losing their jobs. On top of that, because of lockdown rules, millions of quarantined Canadians were left isolated on their own.

All of this has had a significant impact on the mental health of Canadians.

What many people may not realize, however, is that there is a direct connection between physical health and mental health. And that long hours of quarantine can weaken our psyche and sap our energy. Fortunately, there is some exciting evidence that suggests medical cannabis might play a significant role in treating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 and Mental Health: Vulnerable Populations in Canada

The pandemic hasn’t affected everyone the same way. Some people are more susceptible to mental health issues than others.

One study found that some people were more likely than others to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, such as people who had lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19, those who are anxious about their personal finances, people with children at home, women, and young people.

People with a disability, people who are indigenous, visible minorities, and those who identify as LGBTQ+ also struggled with mental health issues related to COVID-19.

For the most part, Canadians used various ways to cope during the first wave of COVID-19. Some were healthier than others. The majority (56%) connected virtually with family and friends, 43% tried to maintain a healthy lifestyle, while 19% said they were drinking more alcohol to cope.

COVID-19 Stress: How Is It Different from Regular Stress?

While Canadians have gone through different crisis before, the type of mental health issues, including stress, caused by a never-before-seen pandemic has upended our lives in entirely unique ways.

• Increased financial stress due to employment insecurity or job loss.
• Anxiety related to trying to balance work and home life.
• Worry over the safety of friends, and relatives.
• Stress from constant barrage of exposure to the news and social media.
• Emotional distress caused by ongoing isolation.
• Fear about getting the virus.

As noted previously, there is a link between your physical and mental well-being. COVID-19 stress can disrupt your gastrointestinal system, fuel feelings of grief, lead to restless sleep, and lead to either weight loss or weight gains.

Left unaddressed, COVID-19 stress and anxiety can also lead to depression and promote unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, or unhealthy eating. It can also exacerbate chronic conditions.

All of this weakens your immune system. The exact thing you want to avoid during a pandemic.

CBD Oil and COVID-19 Mental Health Issues

One popular method that Canadians are using to deal with COVID-19 mental health issues is the use of cannabidiol (CBD) and medical marijuana. In fact, an increasing number of Canadians are turning to CBD and medical marijuana for anxiety, depression, and PTSD to help alleviate mental health issues related to the pandemic.

One study found that 60% of cannabis users believe that it can help reduce their anxiety. In fact, 40% of participants surveyed admitted to using cannabis specifically for anxiety and 33% said they use cannabis products for their calming and anti-anxiety effects.

Rising CBD and marijuana sales also seem to suggest that some Canadians are finding relief through better sleep and a clearer, calmer head. According to a study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 52% of existing cannabis users reported an increase in their consumption during the first wave of the pandemic.

CBD and medical marijuana are not just for those with mental health issues, either. An increasing number of healthcare professionals have been using CBD during COVID-19.

According to Dr. June Chin, author of Cannabis and CBD for Health and Wellness, “Healthcare workers [who] are working long shifts are finding CBD helpful for restorative sleep and, on their days off, [are] using it for pain and inflammation—from being on their feet all day, [and having] low back pain and neck pain.”

MMC, Making Access to Medical Cannabis Simple

COVID-19 has resulted in a record high number of both diagnosed and self-reported feeling of depression and anxiety. The pandemic has also negatively impacted different people in different ways, with some Canadians more susceptible than others to mental health issues.

If you’re struggling through the coronavirus pandemic and would like to know if medical cannabis is right for you, contact the medical marijuana experts at Medical Marijuana Consulting (MMC).

A trusted name in medical cannabis consulting industry, MMC helps patients from across Canada get access to medical professionals who are experts on medical marijuana. Our team of physicians, psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners can provide a prescription, offer you help to get you coverage for your prescription costs (if eligible), and refer you to a licensed producer.

With MMC’s personalized white glove treatment, you also get access to personalized one-on-one educational sessions, treatment plans, and ongoing support. Our cannabis clinic can also help with insurance benefits and tax claims and help you apply for a Grow Your Own License with Health Canada if you are interested in growing your own medical cannabis at home.

At MMC, we want to make access to medical cannabis as simple as possible for as many people as possible. Join our Ambassador Program and receive $15 for every person you refer to MMC that becomes a patient.

To learn more about Medical Marijuana Consulting and how you can secure a prescription as part of your personalized medical cannabis treatment plan, book a consultation online, contact us at 844-312-5143, or email us at patientcare@medmc.ca.