CBD for Depression Revisited
CBD has become extremely popular in the world of alternative medicine but the label of “alternative” is perhaps unfair for a product with such a good track record of helping people with all kinds of ailments, including anxiety and depression.
Depression is all too common in
the modern age. Many studies have suggested that up to one in three people
suffers from depression or a similar anxiety disorder at some time in their
life. While there is no simple cure for it, some products and medicines have
become popular treatments and the fact that CBD oil is a natural product with
so many benefits, it is easy to see why it has become a mainstream option. So,
what are the benefits of CBD oil for depression? How does it help people
suffering from depression and anxiety?
CBD oil or hemp oil can have many
different effects on the human body but getting “high” is not one of the
effects. CBD oil has only a trace of THC. THC in cannabis and products derived
from cannabis what gives us a high feeling, it is the psychoactive substance
that gives the real buzz of cannabis but also can bring with it feelings of
anxiety. THC is not prominent in CBD and CBD products. It is not there to
provide a high; instead, it has numerous other benefits to our system.
CBD is gaining a lot of attention
for the benefits it offers. The benefits are incredibly far-reaching. Studies
show that it can help with both physical and mental health, tackling issues
including chronic pain, psychotic episodes, muscle issues, mental health problems
and more.
How CBD Helps Depression
Where is the proof of CBD helping
with depression? How does it work? What are the theories regarding the impact
on our brains?
The studies which have taken
place regarding CBD normally involve testing a controlled group, half of whom
are given CBD (normally in its oil form) and the other half are given a
placebo.
Almost universally in these
studies, sufferers from anxiety and depression see an upturn in mood and
well-being when given CBD, compared to the group who are given the placebo.
Research into exactly why this is happening is a relatively early stage but the
overwhelming evidence that it does indeed help with depression and anxiety have
led to theories and studies on the impact it has on the human brain.
CBD oil can aid 5-HT1 receptors
and these are a big part of the serotonin system and pathways and, in turn, can
lead to an increase in mood.
More research has suggested that
CBD has an impact on the amygdala region of the brain. This is the part which
stimulates our primitive fight-or-flight response to stress. CBD dampens the
response of this area, meaning that the reaction to stress and negative
emotions can be lessened. This generally leads to a calmer and less worried
state of mind.
There is a two-pronged benefit
occurring here. The regulation of the stress response of the brain can totally
change the way we react to stressful situations around us. The “reactive” types
of depression are those which are affected by what is happening in the world
surrounding us.
Combined with this impact on our
reactions, CBD is also helping the brain itself by boosting the receptiveness
to serotonin, the natural substance created in our brains to regulate mood and
give feelings of peace, calm, and happiness.
These studies are early stage.
The process can take a long time and CBD has only become popular in very recent
times. What is important to say is that there is very little risk attached to
taking CBD products. In the studies that have taken place, it has been proven
to be non-toxic and safe for human consumption. As long as the product has low
THC content (which is usually a legal requirement) then there are virtually no
risks attached.
CBD vs. Anti-depressants
Though it is not always an
“either-or” situation and many people are taking both CBD and anti-depressants,
it is worth looking at the differences between the two.
Many anti-depressant medicines
can be effective but also come with many side effects including weight loss and
weight gain, feelings of tiredness, and even physical effects such as mouth
ulcers. The effects on your system can be drastic and you will certainly be
aware that a new substance is in your body when you start taking
anti-depressants.
CBD, on the other hand, has very
few side effects, if any. It is a totally natural product and it isn’t hard to
see why people are turning to it as an alternative for this reason. However,
due to being relatively early in its growth as a product, there simply isn’t
the same amount of research and evidence available regarding its effects.
Effectively, there is basically
no risk of adding CBD to your daily routine and seeing if it helps even if you
are taking antidepressants already. CBD gives a natural option and an
additional method of increasing your mental well-being.
Doctor’s advice should be sought
if you are treated for depression already, and stop taking any medication you
are on is definitely not recommended, with most of these medicines requiring a
period of tapering off if you are to stop taking them.
Conclusion About Using CBD For Depression
Many people are searching for the
effects of CBD for depression due to something they have seen or heard. The
huge amount of people making bold claims about the effect of CBD oil and other
products is not likely to be a coincidence.
Many people have reported that this
product has totally changed their outlook and had an impact on their physical
and mental health. All of the anecdotal evidence for the benefits of CBD oil
has been backed up by the studies which have taken place. And, for many people
searching for extra help in their battle with depression, CBD oil has been a
huge help—and one with no risk whatsoever attached to it.
This article by Madeleine Taylor
is originally published at SundayScaries.