Depression is a common mental health condition that impacts up to three out of four people at some point in their lives. It’s also the leading cause of disability worldwide, and costs the global economy an estimated $92 billion each year. While most people associate depression with sadness and loneliness, it can also be a red flag indicating underlying issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression-related conditions like chronic pain or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you suffer from depression and are looking for natural ways to manage it, you’re not alone. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many active compounds found in cannabis that helps relieve symptoms of depression. Read on to learn more about this treatment option for depression as well as commonly recommended lifestyle changes and self-care practices you can adopt today to feel happier sooner.
What is Depression?
There are many reasons why someone might experience feelings of sadness, emptiness, or anxiety more often than usual. Depression is a serious condition that can cause severe symptoms such as low mood, lack of interest in things once loved, poor concentration, and irritability. A person with depression might also experience physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, or gastrointestinal issues. It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary from person to person, and may not always be present. In fact, many people with depression don’t even realize that their condition is the root cause of their symptoms. Depression is more than just feeling sad; it’s a serious condition that deserves serious attention.
How does CBD help Treat Depression?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the compounds found in cannabis that offers numerous potential health benefits. When consumed, it binds to receptors in the brain and central nervous system that affect mood and relieve symptoms of depression, including low mood, stress, and anxiety, as well as improve sleep and reduce pain symptoms. CBD can also be used to manage certain mental health conditions, like PTSD or chronic pain. Additionally, research has shown that it may be beneficial for treating addiction, Tourette’s syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and other disorders. While research on the therapeutic effects of CBD is still in its early stages, we are learning more about how it may be an effective treatment for various types of depression.
How to Use CBD for Depression
There are many ways to use CBD for depression, including taking it as a supplement, using topicals, eating products made with hemp extracts, or consuming CBD oil.
- Taking CBD as a supplement is a more flexible way to incorporate this treatment into your daily routine as there’s a wide variety of products to choose from. For example, you can take CBD as an oil, in drops, or in capsule form. If you take the supplement in capsule form, follow the manufacturer’s instructions; some people prefer taking it with food or with a sip of their beverage of choice.
- You can also incorporate CBD topicals into your daily routine. Topicals are oils or salves applied to the skin, and they can be used for a wide variety of ailments. For example, apply CBD salve to your wrists and temples to relieve stress and help you relax. You can also try using CBD oil topically to ease your symptoms and improve your sleep.
- Eating products made with hemp extracts is another good way to consume CBD for depression. The most popular products are hemp seed and hemp protein powders or bars. You can also eat hemp seed products like hemp granola or hemp protein snack bars. Hemp seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and proteins, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relieve symptoms of depression, like pain and sleep difficulties.
- Finally, you can consume CBD oil. CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plants and is often consumed as a liquid, tincture, or oil drops. Depending on the concentration, it can be used as a daily supplement or used when depressive symptoms are more severe. When choosing a CBD oil brand, look for one that uses organic, non-GMO hemp plants.
Conclusion
CBD is one of the substances found in cannabis that offers numerous potential health benefits, including the potential to treat depression. Studies have found that it can relieve symptoms of anxiety, stress, and low mood as well as improve sleep and reduce pain symptoms. If you suffer from depression and are looking for natural ways to manage it, you’re not alone. However, it’s important to note that CBD is not a treatment for depression that will take effect overnight. Instead, you will want to slowly incorporate it into your daily routine so that you can see the improvements in your overall health and wellness. Visit BCMedichronic.co online dispensary for all your cannabis needs.
