Is it possible to tame the monkey mind?

Although patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder feel lethargic and irritable much of the time, it is possible to harness the unwanted symptoms and live a happy life. While pharmaceuticals are commonly prescribed as bipolar medication, a quick and kinder way to tame the undesirable symptoms of various mental disorders, may be done effectively through the use of cannabis.  Medical marijuana can be helpful with bipolar symptoms such as mood swings, increased energy, irritation and impulsive behavior.

According to many health professionals, the most effective treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of pharmaceutical drugs and psychotherapy. Unfortunately, more than one drug is often prescribed, in turn overloading the liver and other organs that process them. There is a lengthy list of drugs on offer to harness the disorder.  Some target mood swings and depression, while others are antipsychotic.  Each patient is different and may experience a spectrum of debilitating symptoms.  The trick is finding the best solution and the one most overlooked is medical marijuana.

Therapeutic tactics include various methods of tricking the mind into silence, such as meditation.  Although, even those with a healthy mind may find this practice to be quite a challenge.  Some other options include mantra reciting, coloring or vigorous exercise, which again may be a challenge.

According to Dr. Gabriela Sadurní Rodríguez of The Psychology Group, Ft Lauderdale, cognitive defusion, “is a skill that is useful for anyone, regardless of having or not having a psychological condition, as it is not uncommon to get tangled up and fused with our thoughts from time to time.”  Similarly, cannabis can be effective regardless if you have a diagnosis or not.

Cognitive defusion is a popular form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) taught to patients with bipolar disorder as a form of mindfulness.  This requires a reframing of thoughts and in turn, keeps the mind active, which isn’t always helpful when one is lying awake for hours trying to get some sleep.

Nonetheless, in his book, ACT Made Simple (2009), Russ Harris explains defusion as:

• Looking at thoughts rather than from thoughts
• Noticing thoughts rather than becoming caught up in thoughts
• Letting thoughts come and go rather than holding on to them

While one can develop healthy skills to get through daily anxiety and stress, cannabis is a healthy plant-based medicine that could be coupled with those skills.  Many strains of cannabis inspire creativity, while at the same time clear the mind of unwanted chatter, offering mental clarity.

How can bipolar disorder patients be treated for mood swings without prescription medications?

Those who suffer from bipolar disorder often have challenges with concentration and a general lack of desire to engage in life.  Patients have found hybrid cannabis strains which effectively quiet the mind and uplift the spirit promoting a bright, giddy, social outlook.

When patients dose various cannabis strains like Space Runtz, they have reported feeling:

• creative
• euphoric
• uplifted
• focused
• happy
• relaxed
• sleepy

Bridget expressed her delight with the Space Runts strain, when she wrote, “Holy mother of Mary-Jane this stuff is Helps with insomnia and shutting off my brain when trying to go to sleep. Even helped take the edge off of a nasty headache. Can’t believe it’s only $29.”

With those qualities, it’s easy to see how cannabis can help one gain cognitive control and offer relief for many conditions.  Some other hybrid cannabis strains that offer the same type of relief are:

• Skywalker OG (Mazar x Blueberry)
• Chauffer
• Ice Cream Cake

While there may not be a permanent cure available for bipolar disorder or other unwanted cognitive conditions, alternative treatments and natural plant-based remedies such as medical marijuana may offer some level of relief from bipolar disorder, ADHD and other mental health concerns.