PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychiatric condition, not only in Costa Rica but worldwide. It has become a global concern, and many people find it difficult to talk about. Understanding what PTSD is and recognizing its common symptoms is an important first step in seeking help for yourself or a loved one in Costa Rica.

PTSD is a mental disorder that is triggered by a traumatic event, whether they went through it themselves, or witnessed it. It affects each person differently – it could last for months, or even years, but it can get better eventually when you seek help and not let it take over your life. Symptoms may not even start until months or years after the event, but they can include experiencing things like:

• Flashbacks
• Nightmares/trouble sleeping
• Emotional distress, like severe depression, anxiety, hopelessness or shame/guilt
• Avoiding people and places/feeling detached
• Lack of interest in what you once enjoyed
• Problems with drinking or drug abuse
• Being easily startled/frightened
• Mood swings, including irritability or fits of anger

Anyone can experience PTSD, even young children. Not only does it affect your mental state, but it can be hard to continue your day-to-day activities like going to school or work or having a good time with friends and family. This can lead to depression, strained relationships, and even suicidal thoughts.

Medical marijuana will certainly improve symptoms, but seeking professional help is encouraged. The way medical marijuana helps to relieve symptoms is by interacting with the cell receptors in our body that control the way we think, move, feel, etc. The chemical compounds found in cannabis oil positively react with these rectors so they send out a message to your mind and body telling you to relax.

In New Mexico in 2009, they became the first state to legalize medical marijuana for treating patients with PTSD after conducting a study on 80 patients diagnosed with the mental disorder. Participants reported a 75% decrease in their symptoms.

We are committed to improving your quality of life by providing you with the right strain and dosage to help manage your PTSD symptoms without the need to smoke. While Costa Rica’s healthcare system is still exploring options for coverage, we strive to make medical marijuana accessible and affordable. Our dedicated and trained professionals are here to answer any questions you may have and are happy to meet with you in person or via telemedicine. We value your well-being and are here to support you in any way we can, no matter where you are in Costa Rica.

When medical marijuana enters our body, it positively reacts with our cell receptors and serotonin levels in our brain that control our mind and body. This includes how we think, feel, move, etc. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression, mood swings, nausea, and more. Depression or nausea can be accompanied by being treated for cancer, or diabetes, or heart disease, and like mentioned above, it’s hard both knowing, and watching your child suffer.

But when medical marijuana is administered, it can actually increase low serotonin levels and not only improve seizures, but help with nausea and keeping on weight, improve depression or mood swings, improve problems with the bladder/incontinence, decrease levels of anxiety, and help improve poor sleeping patterns.