Mental illness is an epidemic that has crippled millions of lives, and depression is one of the leading kinds. But this is probably not news to you. Most of us will have heard of or experienced depression - but few of us know how to tackle it. Depression is a complicated mental disorder that is as difficult to treat as it is to categorize. In modern society, people are digging deeper into the quest for a long-term, sustainable cure with as few side effects as possible.
Is CBD the answer we have been looking for? How exactly does CBD oil work for depression? Together, we will explore the role CBD oil can play in your journey toward mental wellbeing.
The Truth About Depression
When it comes to depression,approximately 5% of adults battle the disorder. Out of this, a majority are reluctant to seek professional help for it. Although more women are affected by depression, 1 in 10 men experience it too. And surveys suggest that men are less likely to visit a psychologist or psychiatrist than women.
Why? - you ask?
The truth is that the stigmatization of mental health and depression plays a leading role. Very often there is no clear sign of what is causing the issue - which can be confusing to those fighting the disorder and surrounding loved ones. In reality, depression is caused by a snowball effect. One threatening situation, when left unattended, is piled on by another and another… Until it is out of control. This can lead to feelings of unworthiness and thoughts like ‘what is wrong with me?’.
The worst part is that this gigantic snowball sticks! Depression seriously diminishes the quality of life, so if you or someone you know is going through any of these symptoms – do reach out to a mental health expert for help.
Physical and Behavioral Symptoms of Depression
- Fatigue and disrupted sleep cycles
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Change in appetite
- Lack of motivation
- Intrusive thoughts
- Isolation
- Unexplained headaches
- Mood swings and irritability
These symptoms are just a few of the most common symptoms, but they can get more nuanced based on the type of depression. The main types are Major depressive disorder, Persistent depressive disorder, Bipolar disorder, Psychotic depression and so on. There are so many things that can trigger any one of these types, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, chronic pain conditions, and trauma. And you shouldn’t be ashamed of any!
How Depression Is Treated
Traditionally in allopathy, depression is treated with therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and even repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Instead of sending shockwaves or magnetic waves to the brain, most people turn to antidepressants. No surprise there, huh? For some, these pills work well, but for others, they can have serious side effects on overall health.
Since there is no one-size-fits-all, is there an alternative?
How CBD Oil Can Help Depression
Natural alternatives like light therapy, sound therapy, acupuncture, exercise, and meditation have been discovered as effective ways to manage depression. Among these, cannabis extracts like CBD oil are stepping into the spotlight as a long-term asset to defeating this epidemic. Funnily enough, the way it acts on the body and brain is similar to SSRI antidepressants.
To elaborate: serotonin is the “happy hormone” in the brain that makes you feel good. SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors do not allow serotonin to be taken back by the neurons in the brain. Simply put, this means that more serotonin compounds are ready to act on your mood and make you feel better.
In general, cannabidiol or CBD, a cannabinoid found in hemp plants (or Cannabis sativa), interacts with neurotransmitter systems (like serotonin) involved in depression. CBD oil is non-intoxicating and has less risk for harm and abuse!
Relevant Research
- One study shows the effects of CBD on Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factors(BDNF), which are linked to the neurobiology of depression.
- Research also explores the role of CBD on the serotonergic, glutamatergic, and endocannabinoid systems that regulate sleep, pain, and stress - which are usually worsened by depression.
- Several studies have displayed a decrease in the symptoms of depression in rats.
- A study on medical cannabis users found a reduction in depression when the cannabis contained a higher amount of CBD and lesser THC.
How To Use CBD Oil For Depression
First and foremost, you need to be sure that you or someone you care about actually has depression. Self-diagnosis is dangerous. Only a mental health professional has the skills to give you an apt description of your mental wellbeing. After you are confident in your diagnosis, you can explore adding CBD oil to your treatment plan – with the help of your healthcare expert, of course!
At India Hemp Organics, we pride ourselves on breaking barriers around mental health. Through our experience, we encourage people to start their journey towards a harmonious lifestyle. We believe that the body and mind are not so separate and that depression plagues both. To bring relief, our CannaBliss Stress Buster contains CBD, along with Spearmint, and Tulsi. Spearmint is known to act on GABA receptors in the brain to relieve stress; Tulsi reduces blood pressure which reduces psychological stress.
In short – we’ve done our homework so that you can sit back and focus on yourself, with a touch of CBD added to your daily routine! If this sounds like something that could improve your life - we suggest you consult our in-house doctor to figure out the dosage and possible complications with any other medication. Bust that stress unapologetically, folks!
References:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0891061818302114?via%3Dihub
