Mental Health and Medical Cannabis | Thrive Marijuana Dr. Team

Integrative Relief with Medical Marijuana

Many of us are searching for alternative ways to find relief with mental health struggles, whether it’s an anxiety or eating disorder, sleep issues, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We want something other than, or in addition to, medication and therapy. This is why, as a licensed clinical social worker, I’ve partnered with Dr. Loughlin to open Thrive Alternative Medicine here on Back Beach Road. We both believe in a holistic, whole person approach to wellness and are open to emerging new options for treatments.

The Evidence: Medical Cannabis and Mental Health Symptoms

The evidence shows medical cannabis can be a helpful component to managing mental health symptoms including those related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety disorders. These conditions specifically, can improve with Cannabidiol which increases serotonin and dopamine levels, can reduces stress, improve coping, and reduce both sleep impairment and nightmares. And these effects contribute to a significantly improved quality of life, meaning social and family life benefits, which is what we all want–the best quality of life with people we love.

There’s also some evidence that Cannabis can be helpful with symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) such as reducing hyperactivity, self-injurious behaviors, anxiety, and insomnia. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and other health conditions have also been studied for evidence of Cannabis’ therapeutic effectiveness. However, more research is needed and here at Thrive Alternative Medicine, we’re keeping an eye on emerging research and Florida statutes regarding medical marijuana.

A Holistic Approach

Marijuana is Just One Tool. I described the evidence above about Medical Marijuana’s effectiveness with mental health symptoms, but that’s just one tool. A therapist can offer additional tools. For example, with my training from the Beck Institute to treat insomnia with cognitive behavioral therapy, I teach sleep hygiene and how to reframe thoughts that can get in the way of sleep. Problems with sleep can have widespread impact and really hit home – our relationships, our work, and more can suffer if we’re crabby and not sleeping well.

Additional tools I can provide involve finances. I’m certified by the Center for Financial Social Work to help people improve financial wellness by changing behaviors around money. If you’re tired of repeatedly digging out of debt, make an appointment to see me, instead of working more hours to make more money. More money is typically not a lasting solution. And money problems don’t exist in a vacuum – they typically impact every area of life.

All the tools and services we offer at Thrive Alternative Medicine are meant to complement, enhance, and add to services and care you receive from primary care or a family physician. Stay tuned for providers we’re adding in addition to Dr. Loughlin’s compassionate, caring evaluations for medical marijuana and my mental health services. We’re focused on inviting other disciplines to offer professional guidance as a part of our Thrive team-perhaps nutritional support, acupuncture, or other services.

Professional Guidance is Non-Negotiable.

Please be safe and not sorry! If you’re seeking relief with Cannabis products, it’s time and resources well spent to visit us at Thrive for guidance to mitigate risks and ensure proper dosing/integration. You’re worth it! I hear on the news and from substance use counselors about fentanyl and other substances being added to marijuana and even pressed pills that look the same as we get from the pharmacy. Simply put, your life is not worth taking this risk. And why guess which product to use? Dr. Loughlin will make recommendations during your visit, so you’re not wasting money buying random products to help with anxiety, sleep, or PTSD symptoms. Keep in mind, Cannabis products (containing CBD, CBN) sold outside of dispensaries are not regulated. Whereas products a dispensary sells are measured, monitored, and regulated, so you can feel safe knowing exactly what you’re buying. Whichever products Dr. Loughlin suggests for you, across the board with Cannabis products, it’s encouraged to start at the lowest dosage to first see what type of relief you get. And then slowly over time increase until the desired relief is achieved. Again, Dr. Loughlin is your professional for this specific guidance.

Book an appointment at Thrive Alternative Medicine, so we can help you find relief naturally.

Author:

Suzanne Clark is a licensed clinical social worker living in Northwest Florida for the past 30+ years, where she raised two daughters and began her social work career. Experience as a mental health clinician is mostly in medical settings such as Emerald Coast Hospice, Davita Dialysis, Fresenius Medical Care, where quality of life was a focus.

At Pancare Community Health Clinic Suzanne helped create integrated care services enabling people to receive care from a doctor and a therapist at the same location. In addition to being an instructor at FSU’s College of Social Work, Suzanne has loved teaching Mental Health First Aid and other workshops for the past 10 years. Away from work, she is proud Grammy to 2 Air Force littles, enjoys PCB’s gorgeous beaches, stand up paddleboarding, golf, and FSU football. #gonoles

Schedule an Appointment Today

Whether it’s counseling with Suzanne Clark or a medical marijuana card certification exam by Dr. Loughlin, we’re here to help people find relief and thrive! Call us at 850-655-7090, stop by our Panama City Beach office (Monday through Saturday), or schedule one of our services below.