While many older people wish they could be young again, they’re often overlooking how stressful it is to be young. Especially to be young with children of your own. In fact, rates of young parenthood are declining, with birth rates for women under age 30 down 4-6 percent.(1) Young parents’ stress may cause damage to more than just themselves.
A UK study found that only 7 percent of young adults reported never feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope. (2) The consequences of this figure are dire. According to a study published in BMC Public Health, “Healthy preschool-aged children with parents reporting parenting stress during infancy had a 2 times higher odds of mental health problems at 3 years.” (3) So, parental mental health, including stress, can reverberate in their childrens’ health.
What are some of the top causes of young parents’ parental stress?
- Strain on marriage
- Strain on finances
- Being in demand all the time
- Lack of control over many situations
- Managing familial relationships
- Loss of “past life”
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant that may help reduce stress and improve your mood. Many young people turn to alcohol and drugs to self-manage stress, which can be unhealthy and addictive. CBD however is a non-addictive cannabinoid that, when combined with other cannabinoids, terpenes, and THC, can help promote a sense of calm, relaxation, and positivity.
So how does CBD work? Your body contains a network of receptors called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that responds positively to cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. When these cannabinoids are introduced into your body, they help jumpstart the ECS to properly maintain balance and homeostasis across your bodily systems, including the Central Nervous System.
CBD, taken daily and at the same time each day, can gradually improve one’s ability to handle life’s stressors. “Emergency” doses can also be taken in anticipation of high stress activities, like when the baby is sick or the toddler has found the magic markers, again. CBD also has the potential to improve sleep, another thing that young parents crave for good reason.
References:
- Hamilton, Brady et al. “Births: Provisional data for 2020.” CDC. Published: May 2021. Accessed: 22 Sep 2022.
- Mental Health Foundation. “Results of the 2018 Mental Health Foundation’s Study.” MentalHealth.org. Accessed: 22 Sep 2022.
- Hattangadi, Nyantara Et al. “Parenting stress during infancy is a risk factor for mental health problems in 3-year-old children.” BMC Public Health. Published: 16 Nov 2020 Accessed: 22 Sep 2022.
