Depression is a mental illness that unfortunately affects many of us. It is an illness that is still being learned about and has only recently become less of a taboo to discuss. Whilst there are already treatments available for this mental illness, many people find them ineffective and are looking elsewhere for more natural solutions. This article will be considering whether CBD or cannabidiol could ease some depression symptoms and if it might be a viable treatment for those who suffer from depression.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a long-lasting low mood disorder. It can impact our ability to do everyday tasks, can dampen our interest in activities and can make it hard to feel any form of pleasure. This is not to be confused with just feeling sad or down. Everybody feels low from time to time, but these feelings generally naturally pass. If these feelings persist or are interfering with your life, then you may have depression. It can be caused by anything, but it can be affected by our lifestyles, stressful events, upbringing and family history.
Depression is relatively common, unfortunately, and affects 1 in 10 of us at some point in our lives. It can affect anyone at any age. It also impacts people in different ways. There are a variety of symptoms for depression, including but not limited to low energy, a feeling of worthlessness, loss of concentration, constantly feeling tired and thoughts of self-harm.
There are several treatments available for depression, the most common of which are antidepressant medication and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). However, it appears as though this treatment doesn’t always benefit everyone. Studies undertaken with adults who had moderate or severe depression found that only ‘about 40 to 60 out of 100 people who took an antidepressant noticed an improvement in their symptoms within six to eight weeks.’ Therefore, some people are starting to look elsewhere for alternative treatments.
Could CBD Be A Viable Solution?
CBD or cannabidiol is one of the more than 80 biologically active compounds found in the cannabis plant. Do not confuse this with THC, which is the primary psychoactive compound that gets you ‘high’. But unlike THC, CBD is entirely non-psychoactive. However, it does have a number of effects on our bodies. Using CBD oil for pain can provide relief while it also can help to reduce both anxiety and depression symptoms. How is it able to do this?
Evidence suggests that our endocannabinoid systems play a role in the regulation of fear, anxiety, and repetitive behaviours. Basically, the endocannabinoid system is a pathway of receptors in our bodies that help to regulate our sleep, mood, appetite, pain, among many other essential functions. When CBD interacts with this system, it is able to cause changes to these processes. It is unclear how CBD can do this, but it does seem to be aiding in reducing depression specific side-effects, such as anxiety.
Of course, more research is needed before we can definitively say one way or another whether CBD can alleviate depression symptoms with certainty. It is only recently that the benefits of CBD have really begun to be explored extensively. However, the evidence collected so far has been promising.
CBD Research Into Depression So Far
Before we look into the current research, it is essential to note that CBD studies and research are still somewhat limited. There have been many studies over the last ten years, but most of these were conducted on animals. As we know, animals often react differently to certain medications compared to us.
Experts believe that the potential benefits of CBD for depression are related to its positive effect on serotonin receptors in our brains. Low serotonin levels are probably connected to depression. Whilst CBD may not boost serotonin levels, it is thought that it may affect how our brain’s chemical receptors respond to the serotonin already present in our system. A study in 2018 concluded that CBD does have anti-stress effects, which consequently may reduce depression related to stress.
One benefit that CBD may have over existing antidepressant medication is the time it takes to have an effect. Generally, antidepressants take weeks to start having any form of impact on the human body. However, CBD has been shown to have a speedy and sustained effect. Furthermore, using CBD may result in fewer side effects. Some antidepressants can lead to unwanted side effects such as insomnia and mood swings, whilst CBD has shown none of these to date.
Important Note: CBD should never be viewed as a replacement. Don’t stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your doctor first. Suddenly stopping medication can cause serious and damaging side effects.
What Is The Best Form Of CBD To Take?
Evidence that has been collected so far seems to suggest that no one form is more effective than any other. Whether it’s CBD oil, CBD gummies, CBD roll on for pain, CBD vape liquids or even CBD massage oil, it appears as though the actual dosage of CBD is more important than the method in which you choose to receive CBD.
Final Thoughts
Depression is a mental disorder that, unfortunately, affects many of us. It can make us feel worthless, unimportant, lethargic and unable to sleep, among other side effects. Whilst there is existing treatment available for depression sufferers, many people do not find them to be effective enough. Over recent years, people are starting to turn to CBD as a potential solution to a myriad of illnesses, including depression. Whilst research is still very much in its early stages, what has been collected so far does seem encouraging. As noted, please make sure you consult a doctor before switching medications. Research in the future will only be more illuminating and hopefully will show us the way to a more effective and natural solution.