- What is Depression?
- How is Depression Typically Treated?
- Can CBD Help People with Depression?
- How Can I Use CBD for Depression?
By now, most people have at least heard of cannabidiol (CBD) and know that it is a compound that comes from the cannabis plant. CBD can be delivered into the body in various ways, through edibles, smoking, or with CBD vape kits.
Many people have either found CBD helpful themselves or know a person that has greatly benefitted from using CBD for pain, anxiety, and sleep issues. Research has also begun showing that CBD might even be helpful for depression and other mood irregularities.
What is Depression?
Although the discussion around mental health has increased in recent years, many people may still confuse what constitutes depression and what doesn’t.
Psychiatry Today defines depression as a “Common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act.” Most have at least some familiarity with depression, whether they themselves have experienced it, or they know someone who struggles with it.
Some common symptoms of depression include feeling prolonged sadness for weeks at a time, changes in appetite, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and a loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable.
Depression is different from feelings of sadness or grief, which are both normal parts of life. Depression aligns more with feeling down most of the time for at least two weeks.
How is Depression Typically Treated?
Fortunately, depression is a treatable condition, and many people find the relief they seek with one or more types of treatment. It is important to speak with your doctor about depression-like symptoms you may be experiencing so that they can help you devise a treatment plan that will work for you.
Some find medications, antidepressants, help with feelings of anxiety and depression, though it may take some time and trial and error for you and your doctor to find the right type of medication and dose. It can also take up to three months for a person to begin feeling sustained benefits from antidepressants. Medications are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy for patients with depression.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help people experiencing depression with or without antidepressant medication. It involves a person talking with a trained therapist to explore the feelings of depression and possible interventions. There are several types of psychotherapy, and some forms may be more helpful than others for individuals.
Research is beginning to show that CBD may be helpful for people struggling with depression.
Can CBD Help People with Depression?
According to Medical News Today, CBD might be able to provide some relief for people dealing with depression and anxiety, and it may provide fewer side effects than other treatments for some individuals.
CBD appears to positively affect serotonin receptors in the brain, which can help boost a person’s emotional state and mood. When serotonin levels get unbalanced or out of whack, it can cause feelings of worthlessness and other poor emotional states. The fact that CBD might be able to help people feel more happiness and well-being with potentially fewer side effects feels promising.
Another major benefit of CBD is the fact that it can provide short-term and long-term antistress benefits, potentially giving users faster relief from stress, anxiety, and depression.
How Can I Use CBD for Depression?
As always, it’s important to discuss these matters with your doctor, especially when it comes to depression. Research has not shown any major side effects when CBD is consumed orally, inhaled, or used topically, but you should discuss possible interactions with prescription or over-the-counter medications with your doctor before using it.
CBD does not appear to be as habit-forming as other substances, so there seems to be a low risk for people who want to use it long-term.
Even still, it is imperative that you purchase CBD from a trusted source, and that you start small when it comes to dosages. You can later ramp up your dosage if you need to, but starting gradually with any new intervention is typically helpful.
In Conclusion
CBD may not be an end-all cure for depression, but preliminary results in the role it can play for depression treatment look promising to say the least. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, trying CBD may be a helpful step that could provide at least some relief.
The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the ChivMen or its members.
