Mental health is becoming an increasing concern, with millions of people being affected by some form of mental health issue or disorder each year.
According to The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), every one in five adults experienced mental illness in 2018, and every one in six young people aged 6-17 also experienced a mental health disorder. As a result, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among those aged 10-24.
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What Is Mental Illness?
Contrary to popular belief, mental illness isn’t necessarily a severe disorder. NAMI ranks a variety of anxiety disorder and depression as the most prevalent mental health issues, with depression being the leading cause of disability worldwide.
Mental illness is a condition that affects the way a person thinks, feels. It can also affect their ability to relate to and interact with others as well as function effectively. Mental health issues do not only affect individuals and their families. It is estimated that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy nearly $1 trillion each year.
The rates of suicides are increasing. Since 2001, the rates of suicide in the US increased by 31%. Suicide is especially common among males, with them forming 75% of all suicide victims.
Mental illness rarely occurs as a result of a single event, but rather as a result of a combination of factors. So, factors such as a stressful job or issues at home can significantly lower one’s quality of life and make them more susceptible to mental health issues.
On many occasions, such external factors are hard for people to control. Therefore, they can become continuously susceptible to mental health issues and have a much harder time overcoming them.
Common Mental Health Issue Treatment Methods
While there is a stigma around mental health issues and mental illness, it’s getting increasingly more common for people to seek help and treatment. The two most common treatment approaches include psychotherapy and medication, or a combination of the two.
Psychotherapy
Depending on the condition of the affected person, the exact approach may differ. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, EMDR, Hypnotherapy, and more. It is vital to work with a skilled and qualified professional who can help improve a person’s well-being through exploring thoughts, behavioral patterns, feelings, and beliefs.
Often, people suffering from mental health issues are prescribed a combination of psychotherapy and medication.
Medication
While medication does not actually solve the underlying problems causing mental illness, it helps manage symptoms. It helps modify chemical imbalances in the brain, helping a person to function and support them during their recovery process.
Some examples include:
- Anti-anxiety drugs
- Antidepressants
- Mood stabilizers
- Tranquilizers
- Sleeping pills
- Stimulants
- Antipsychotic drugs
However, as any type of medication, they do not come without risk. Often, they take some time to take effects, even up to several weeks. These medications also have various adverse side effects that may otherwise affect the people taking them.
Not all adults’ health insurance includes mental health coverage, and medication, in general, can be costly.
Due to these reasons as well as the stigma, many people seek alternative means of managing their mental health.
Luckily, kratom can help. Let’s take a look at how and what the best mood-enhancing kratom is.
How Can Kratom Help?
Kratom has a number of beneficial effects that a person with mental illness can benefit from. These include:
1. Euphoria
Kratom, especially when taken in higher doses, can create a feeling of euphoria. Therefore, people who experience depression or stress may benefit from feeling euphoric.
Generally, all strains can provide euphoria, though some strains will be more potent in this regard than others. Most commonly, Maeng Da is referred to as the best mood-enhancing kratom, followed by Malay Kratom and White Borneo.
Keep in mind that different strains and vein colors will result in different effects. Therefore, we recommend researching a strain and its effects beforehand. For quick reference, reds will be relaxing and are best taken in the evening, whereas whites and greens are more energizing and are good morning and daytime strains.
Whites are much more energizing than greens, and they can feel too much, especially for those who are new kratom. We also do not recommend whites for anyone with anxiety and depression as they can make one feel jittery and may worsen the anxiety and depression symptoms.
2. Relaxation
Reds are potent pain relievers and relaxants. Strains like Red Bali can be helpful for those who suffer from pain and health conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia or have strong chronic pain.
Severe anxiety and stress can also create muscle tension, which can result in pain, making one’s overall wellbeing worse. Reds can be excellent to help with that.
3. Improved Mood
In addition to euphoria, kratom can also improve your mood and make you feel more positive and optimistic. Whites such as White Borneo, White Thai, White Horn, and White Bali are some of the best mood-enhancing kratom strains.
Yet, if you start feeling agitated and your symptoms are worsening, try greens instead. Green Malay and Green Maeng Da will be less energizing, but can still be great for your mood.
4. Clarity of Mind
Many people take kratom to boost their productivity. While kratom, especially green strains, can increase your energy levels, what they also can do is clear your mind of intrusive and disruptive thoughts. This can be extremely beneficial if you need to get things done in a stressful and high-demanding job.
Kratom can also be helpful if you experience ADHD.
5. Improved Focus
If you suffer from depression and anxiety, it can be hard to maintain focus on tasks that you need to get done. Kratom, especially greens, can be a great aid for you to maintain focus, even if you need to deal with plenty of unpleasant tasks.
6. More Energy
People who suffer from depression tend to have a hard time to find motivation and willingness to do much. In severe cases, it can be hard to even get out of bed and take proper care of yourself. White and green vein kratom can help you find the energy you need.
As mentioned above, while whites are more energizing, greens may be a better fit for you if you are new to kratom or whites make you feel worse.
7. Better Sleep
Reds are great to relax, fall, and stay asleep. However, there are several ways in which even energizing strains as white vein kratom can help. Taken at regular early times, fast and moderate strains can help you feel more energetic during the day.
As a result, you will be able to get more done and feel tired by the time you would need to go to bed. Over time, it can help your body regulate its melanin production and naturally improve your sleep.
Final Thoughts
While kratom can be extremely helpful in managing mental health issues, keep in mind that it will be addressing the symptoms rather than the cause of the problems and challenges that you are effacing. Therefore, it is important to look into psychotherapy, counseling, or some other form of support that can help you deal with the root of the issues.
Kratom can also have interactions with other drugs such as stimulants and depressants. Therefore, we do not recommend mixing it with anything else. If you are taking medication and have doubts, please consult your physician before you start taking kratom.
Last but not least, seek professional help if you are considering suicide. We understand that you may be feeling extremely low, but you most definitely deserve help and support.
Have you ever taken kratom to boost your mood? Which do you consider to be the best mood-enhancing kratom, and why?
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