Shining a Light on Mental Health Awareness Month

Most of us are beginning to see the bright side. After more than a year of pandemic-induced anxiety, stress, insomnia and other mental-health-related symptoms, things are looking up. But the reality is that the LGBTQ community faced mental health disparities before the pandemic and will likely face them in the future as our country faces a watershed moment for The Equality Act and dozens of discriminatory bills impacting our transgender community.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness has published startling statistics that document the challenges we face. According to NAMI, a 2013 survey revealed that 40% of LGBT adults had experienced rejection from a family member or a close friend. Additionally, 40% of transgender adults have attempted suicide in their lifetime, compared to less than 5% of the general U.S. population.

Fortunately, our chosen families and loved ones can offer support during challenging times, but navigating mental health and the anxiety that comes with today's world demands all sorts of resources. The Kaiser Family Foundation has been tracking various data sets, including the KFF COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor. Results reveal that "three-fourths of LGBT people (74%) say worry and stress from the pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental health, compared to 49% of those who are not LGBT, and are more likely to say that negative impact has been major (49% v 23%)."

But with the right resources and access to affordable health and wellness products, individuals can develop and maintain strategies for coping with the stress that comes with these traumatic events. Research shows that CBD can help treat medical conditions like anxiety, stress, and depression.

A recent article in PsyPost, a psychology and neuroscience news site, references a recent study in "Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research" about CBD's efficacy in treating anxiety, and the results look promising.

"CBD has gained a lot of attention from the public and scientific community for its potential therapeutic properties. Given the data demonstrating that CBD is well tolerated and demonstrates little potential for abuse or dependence in humans, we were interested in reviewing the animal and human literature on its use as a treatment option for anxiety disorders," said Madison Wright, a doctoral student affiliated with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the University of Toronto.

"The main takeaway from this review is that early research indicates that CBD may reduce anxiety in healthy volunteers," Wright explained.

According to Grand View Research, the global cannabidiol market size was valued at $2.8 billion last year. That includes a lot of start-ups looking to capitalize on the growing industry. But for consumers, finding a trustworthy brand rooted in innovation, longevity and accessibility can induce the kind of anxiety we're trying to alleviate!

Fortunately, Smilyn's co-founder and CEO Brett Weiss is focused on the big picture: reaching as many consumers as possible but also taking a step back to ensure both his company and customers understand the synergy of CBD's benefits. "There's something to be said for healing within reach," says Weiss.

According to Smilyn, CBD interacts with and balances the endocannabinoid and serotonin systems, contributing to stress and anxiety. Smilyn's tinctures, softgels and gummies – each with its own verified third-party lab results – are specifically formulated to deliver optimal results.

Whether you're looking for the benefits of a pure CBD oil or a blended tincture that includes CBG for clarity or CBN to calm the mind before going to sleep, each of Smilyn's products is thoughtfully developed and tested for peak performance including its line of Delta8 products.

While there's no "quick fix" to address mental health issues, knowing there is a community to lift you up during a time of need is the first step toward wellness. Smilyn has participated in many opportunities to give back like donating 10% of proceeds to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund launched by the World Health Organization (WHO). It's just one example of a brand looking beyond its profit margins, recognizing that we're infinitely stronger when we stand together.

To learn more, visit smilynwellness.com.

Disclaimer: Products are not for use by or sale to persons under the age of 18. Products should be used only as directed on the label. They should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult with a physician before use if you have a serious medical condition or use prescription medications. A doctor's advice should be sought before using any supplemental dietary product. All trademarks and copyrights are property of their respective owners and are not affiliated with nor do they endorse this product. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual weight loss results will vary. Void Where Prohibited by Law.