As we continue to break down the stigma around mental health, it’s essential to explore how natural remedies, such as medicinal cannabis, can potentially play a role in helping men lead happier, more balanced lives.
Understanding Men’s Mental Health
- Mental health issues affect everyone in unique and different ways: for men in Australia, mental ill-health remains high among, with up to 25% experiencing a diagnosed mental health disorder in their lifetime, and 15% experiencing a disorder in a 12-month period.
- Mental health-anxiety is one of the most common issues, with one in five men experiencing it at some stage in their lives.
- Only a quarter of men said they would be likely or very likely to seek help from a mental health professional if they experienced an emotional or personal problem, and almost 25% said they would not seek help from anyone.
- Among those who experienced any mental health disorder, 57% experienced only one disorder, around 36% experienced two disorders, and 7% experienced three or more in the past year.
Navigating Mental Health with Natural Medicine
Natural medicine offers a holistic approach to mental health, focusing on the mind-body connection and utilising the healing properties of nature.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) tracks all of the applications made by doctors via the Special Access Scheme (SAS-B) for the patients prescribed plant-based therapies. Since 2020, anxiety has been the second most applied for chronic health condition for plant-based medicines. In addition, anxiety, depression and PTSD have all been in the top five most applied for conditions for the use of plant therapies, as well as chronic pain and sleep disorders.
This data demonstrates the increased use of natural medicine as a potential treatment option for mood disorders, when other conventional therapies may have not been successful or effective.
In summary, the landscape of medicinal cannabis as a treatment for mental health is complex, and research behind the role of cannabinoids in mood disorders is ongoing.
It’s important to consult with an experienced healthcare professional if you are considering any form of plant based medicine, as the effects can vary greatly depending on the type of therapy, and various individual factors.
Complete our free screening questionnaire online now to see if natural medicine is right for you.
