Dr. Daniel Connors

Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Fears on Mental Health

By Barbara R. Fallon  

Undoubtedly the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has had an upheaval on our lives that most of us have never experienced. Although states vary in actual bans on gatherings, closures and stay-at-home orders, the 24-hour global news cycle intensifies anxieties and promotes ‘learned fears’. Our anticipation of lockdowns, health implications of the virus, caring for those with COVID-19 complications, separation from work cycle with the personal and worldwide financial impact, social isolation from friends and family … all serve to exacerbate the realm of mental health issues from stress induced sleep disorders to anxiety, depression and even chronic disorders. 

While there is an abundance of studies suggesting the therapeutic effects of CBD products in treatment of pain and inflammation and other physical ailments, Dr. Daniel Connors, Ph.D., offers some expert data- based insight on use of hemp derived CBD products, available over the counter, that can be added to routine self-care.

Recent studies on the effect of cannabinoids (minus the effects of THC) as they relate to well-being provides evidence that even a fairly low daily dose of over-the-counter CBD products (capsules, tinctures, salves and oral applications) were well tolerated and demonstrated non-psychoactive benefits to help users experience a more functional day. By interacting with the central nervous system without the effect of THC, the component which produces a high in marijuana, the study suggested there was a coupled effect on wellness and relaxation. In other words, a clinically administered CBD treatment had positive effects and even showed cross-therapeutic efficacy. 

“There is much clinical evidence that quality of sleep has a correlated improvement on the health of the entire body. The unique aspect of any CBD therapy is that it does not involve intoxicating, mood-altering, addictive, sedative or euphoric effects of many pharmaceuticals prescribed to help patients cope with high anxiety. Low dose CBD formulations of self-care therapies can work with our endocannabinoid system to help people relax,” according to Dr. Connors. 

During the current pandemic, people are demonstrating behaviors such as hoarding, obsessively watching the stock market trends, anticipating illogical threats and dangers that are not imminent and focusing on the negative implications of stay-in-place orders versus the things we can still do. 

“We are frustrated and looking for control over the pandemic instead of taking control over our own lifestyles and environments designed to lead to a flattened curve of the impact of COVID-19 cases on our lives and businesses. Low dose OTC CBD treatments can help regulate our individual routines,” he explained.

Given the current global concerns of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its impact on health, pharmaceutical, technological, diagnostic and financial aspects, Connors’ insight into therapeutic benefits of daily self-care including the use of low dose CBD products is another tip to help face and influence the threats to normalcy.

Daniel Connors Ph.D. is Vice President for Product Research and Development at Veritas Farms, Inc., a vertically integrated agribusiness focused on the production of full spectrum hemp oil products with naturally occurring cannabinoids. Dr. Connors earned his Ph.D. from the University of Denver in Analytical Chemistry and was an Analytical Chemist for the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dr. Connors received commendations for contributions to the safety of food and medical supply during environmental crises. He has built and operated laboratories, managed teams of specialized scientists, generated multiple new patents and has produced and maintained health, safety and environmental records and policies for large corporations. 

For more information, call (719) 387-7858 or visit www.theveritasfarms.com.

(Link these to the PDFs)

Sources:

Cannabinoid Regulation of Fear and Anxiety: an Update

Pathways and gene networks mediating the regulatory effects of cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, in autoimmune T cells

Cannabidiol treatment in an adolescent with multiple substance abuse, social anxiety and depression

Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series