How CBD May Help with Depression
Within the last few years, many companies have begun manufacturing CBD products.
Many people have also found out, some for the very first time, what CBD is and how it can help lower the effects of many illnesses as well as aid in pain management.
News stories have shown how men and women who have dealt with chronic pain have found some relief through CBD for depression, PTSD, and many other ailments.
There are many different products out there that contain different amounts of CBD that have been seen to lessen symptoms of many illnesses, and research is becoming more prevalent on the subject.
There are even more and more websites that focus on finding the best CBD oil for depression.
But, does CBD oil help with depression?
There have been links between CBD and depression, but we wanted to find out whether there are positive effects that actually help those suffering from depression.
What is CBD?
Well, CBD is actually known as Cannabidiol, which a specific compound called a cannabinoid.
These compounds are found in the cannabis plant and are often known as hemp more so than marijuana because they contain a very low level of THC. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is another type of cannabinoid.
Because of the lower levels of THC, which is what normally creates the high from marijuana use, you don't feel any psychoactive effects, like with smoking.
Instead, CBD is typically used for pain management and to help lessen the symptoms of a multitude of different diseases and illnesses.
So, how does it help with illnesses like depression or anxiety?
How Does it Help?
Depression and anxiety are two mental illnesses that are much more common than people think, but some sufferers may go untreated.
Because one of the top ways to manage symptoms of these illnesses is to use medication, some people decide not to get help so they can stay away from having to take pills.
Side effects of these medications can often have negative effects in patients with some claiming to see a decrease in their libido, difficulty sleeping through the night, and experiencing mood swings.
Others might even find that they have an increase in suicidal thoughts because of the medication, although attempts and other harmful actions do tend to decrease.
However, as a result of this, researchers in the medical field have been searching for alternative ways to help treat these illnesses in those who don’t want to take a traditional approach.
This is one of the reasons why CBD is being looked at as a potential alternative.
The way that CBD works to help lower the symptoms of depression or anxiety is by affecting the serotonin receptors in the brain.
Serotonin is a chemical produced in the brain that is typically lacking in those who suffer from clinical depression. It can also be seen in low numbers for those diagnosed with anxiety.
This chemical is associated with feelings of happiness and tends to have effects on a person’s emotional well-being.
So, if there are positive effects on the receptors that produce serotonin, people with depression could feel some of their symptoms lift.
Research on the Subject
Medical research has recently begun on CBD products, but there have been multiple studies that have found connections between CBD and depression.
In a 2018 study, medical research showed how the use of CBD for depression works fast to help reduce symptoms.
However, it should be noted that many studies have found positive results in animal subjects.
Medical trials with human subjects are needed to ensure that this result will be seen in humans as well.
But the fact that researchers are finding positive results is looking good for the future, and with the natural next step likely involving human trials, we are going to see how well CBD for depression truly works.
Does CBD Oil Help with Depression?
With the research being a bit limited, there are still many people that might be skeptical about CBD helping relieve symptoms of depression or anxiety, which often accompanies each other.
However, using CBD oil can have a multitude of benefits for your body, whether or not it directly helps with your depression symptoms.
Some patients have noticed that their PTSD symptoms are lowered when they incorporate the use of CBD into their health and wellness routine, as well as those who have issues with public speaking and anxiety in public spaces.
It can also be used for pain management in those who have chronic pain or who suffer from an injury.
However, because CBD affects the serotonin receptors in the brain, many patients can feel relief from their symptoms of sadness, bodily pain, and fatigue from taking CBD oil for depression and anxiety.
So, though there is no guarantee that this will work for you, there are many positive signs that show how it could make a major difference if you struggle with your depression symptoms.
How Much CBD Should I Take for Depression?
The dosage for people taking CBD varies greatly, so how do you use CBD for depression? The amount that works for one person might not recreate the same results in another patient.
So, you should seek out help from a medical practitioner that has worked with CBD oil and other products before. They will be able to suggest a dose that is right for you to start with and suggest how you should go about upping the dose.
You will want to speak with your doctor as well, especially if you are already taking medication for your mental illness.
Although there are little to no side effects in most people, you want to be safe that nothing you are taking will interfere with one another.
However, a good place to start is about a drop a day in the morning and the evening.
This will likely be what is suggested to you at first, and you can adjust the dose as needed until your symptoms are improved.
Can CBD Oil Make Depression Worse?
Though there are many positive signs that CBD for depression can be very helpful in relieving symptoms, you still might be wondering: can CBD oil make depression worse?
As mentioned before, some anti-depressants can increase suicidal thoughts, which is one side effect that many people worry about when taking them.
So, it is understandable that someone would worry about the possible negative side effects of CBD oil on depression or anxiety symptoms.
However, there is no scientific evidence that CBD oil has any side effects that would specifically worsen depression symptoms.
It should be mentioned that there can be some side effects of nausea when digesting CBD oil as some people’s bodies do not digest this substance well.
This feeling of nausea and sickness could affect your mood.
Where Can I Find CBD Oil?
There are many shops and online retailers that now produce and sell CBD products. You want to search for options that always contain no alcohol or THC, so you don’t get the high feeling.
Some will offer low or minimal amounts, but others come with higher amounts for those who want the psychoactive effects.
Websites like liveheeld offer the best CBD oil for depression that come with no alcohol or THC, which is perfect for many depression sufferers.
Their products are premium options that will give you all the CBD you need without the effects How CBD May that you don’t.
Final Thoughts
With all the talk about how CBD oil and other products can be useful in the treatment of multiple illnesses, many people are wondering if taking this supplement will work for them.
Although there are a few small side effects, many people have seen a boost in their mood and lifting of their depression symptoms.
This is by no means a cure, but if you do feel better when taking CBD oil for depression and anxiety, then this could be a welcomed addition to your wellness routine.
Finding the best CBD oil for depression might take some time because everyone’s body is different and will react to different doses of products, but if you talk to your doctor and ease into it safely, you can find that it has positive effects.