CBD for Depression: Does It Help?
Feeling down or having moments of sadness is part of life. Often we can find the strength to process our feelings and recover. But what happens when the sadness grabs hold of your life and there’s no end in sight? It can morph into depression, a disorder that can harm both the body and mind. So what about using CBD oil for depression?
CBD has seen a huge increase in popularity in recent years as new research explores its potential benefits. Some studies suggest that CBD may be beneficial for relieving symptoms of depression.
CBD and Depression
Depression is a mental health condition that can have lasting effects on a person’s health, ability to work, social life, and overall well-being.
Doctors often prescribe pharmaceutical drugs to help treat or manage depression. However, many of these drugs come with severe side effects, like sleeplessness, mood swings, and sexual dysfunction.
CBD is not only thought to be a safer option with fewer side effects, but it’s also believed to be faster-working. Taking CBD orally, using it topically, or inhaling it doesn’t appear to have any side effects. However, if an individual is sensitive to the compounds in CBD, they could experience:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite or weight
CBD could also interact with a variety of medications and increase liver toxicity. This is why you should consult with your doctor before you start using CBD for depression.
How Could CBD Oil Help with Depression?
CBD has been found to be an effective treatment option for depression. Although CBD doesn’t cure the condition, it has been connected to the improvement of symptoms. The cannabinoids produced by our bodies (endocannabinoids) help to regulate several functions of the body, including appetite, pain-sensation, sleep, and mood.
CBD exerts its actions by binding to specific points of brain cells known as receptors. They work by enhancing the action of a substance called serotonin, which acts to reduce stress levels and improve mood.
Serotonin also acts by connecting to receptors in the brain cells. When the chemical substances bind to their receptive receptors, they trigger a string of events within each brain cell, and this stimulates processes that improve stress control and mood.
CBD can help to improve depressive symptoms by modulating the actions of endocannabinoids and also enhancing the effects of serotonin by potentiating the activity of the receptors to which serotonin binds.
What Does the Research Say?
Experts believe that CBD and depression are a good combination because of the positive effects that CBD has on the serotonin receptors in the brain.
Low serotonin levels are likely associated with depression. While CBD doesn’t necessarily boost serotonin levels, it may affect how the brain’s chemical receptors respond to serotonin that’s already in the system.
An animal study done in 2014 found that the effects that CBD has on receptors in the brain produces both antianxiety and antidepressant effects. More recently, a 2018 review of existing studies concluded that CBD has anti-stress effects, which could relieve depression-related stress.
How to Use CBD for Depression
CBD is available in a variety of formulations. The most popular ways to take CBD for depression are the following:
- Oral: This includes oils, tinctures, capsules, and sprays. These mixes can be consumed as they are or may be used in other preparations, like smoothies or coffee.
- Vaping: Vaping is one of the fastest ways to ingest CBD. However, there is some debate over the long-term safety of this method.
- Edible: Drinks and foods, like CBD gummies, are now widely available and a popular way to consume CBD for depression.
Doctors usually recommend patients to start with a 15 mg dose of CBD once or twice daily. You can then increase the dosage from there until you receive the desired results.
Final Thoughts on CBD for Depression
CBD is a powerful compound that’s gaining popularity as an alternative medicine. While CBD isn’t a first-line depression treatment, it may be useful as part of a long-term recovery plan. Check out Marijuanabreak for more information related to CBD and medical marijuana.
Whether you are looking for CBD oil for depression or anxiety, pain, inflammation, or something more chronic, like epilepsy, Marijuanabreak has a ton of information available on CBD.