A graduate from Southwold has shared how medical cannabis turned her life around after her mental health plummeted during the pandemic.

Like many, Scarlett Cunningham, 23, found that her mental health significantly worsened during the Covid pandemic, with frightening headlines and social isolation orders leaving many struggling.

"You don't feel like yourself; you get so lost in bleak thoughts–paralysed, hiding away, silently in your bedroom, for months at a time,” explained Miss Cunningham, who recently graduated from the University of Arts London with a degree in Fashion Photography.

Miss Cunningham’s journey with traditional medications had been fraught with many barriers; she estimates trying up to 20 different therapies and medicines overall, often utilising five or six suggestions simultaneously.

Miss Cunningham was a key worker during the pandemic, which added to her stress and anxiety levels.

Scarlett found that her mental health deteriorated during the pandemic.Scarlett found that her mental health deteriorated during the pandemic. (Image: Scarlett Cunningham)

Initially, Miss Cunningham sought recreational cannabis use, which began as periodic use once or twice a month. However, she soon noticed that cannabis was helping her feel more motivated and less burdened by mental tension, physical pain and everyday stress.

She then sought a prescription for medical cannabis through Alternaleaf, an online clinic for prescribing and administering medicinal cannabis in the UK.

"After I was prescribed medical cannabis that was tailored to my needs, I'd noticed a pattern where I felt more energised and uplifted and less swamped by thoughts, due dates or weariness at the time," Miss Cunningham shared.

Scarlett is a 23-year-old graduate from Southwold.Scarlett is a 23-year-old graduate from Southwold. (Image: Newsquest) Scarlett recently graduated from the UAL: London College of Fashion with a BA (Hons) in Fashion Photography.Scarlett recently graduated from the UAL: London College of Fashion with a BA (Hons) in Fashion Photography. (Image: Scarlett Cunningham)

Professor Anup Matthew is the lead consultant psychiatrist at Alternaleaf.

"Scarlett's experience highlights the potential medical cannabis can have when it comes to treating complex mental health conditions. When prescribed correctly, it can offer relief for symptoms associated with complex conditions such as autism, depression and OCD [obsessive compulsive disorder],” he said.

However, he stressed the importance of using the drug under medical supervision.

"Medical cannabis could transform our health system, but for this to happen, increased awareness is needed,” he continued. “Despite being legal since 2018, medical cannabis is still rarely prescribed by the NHS, even though it has a profound impact on patient's health and well-being.”

Miss Cunningham credits the drug with her recovery. “I think if it wasn't for medical cannabis, I don't think I'd be here today,” she said.