Depression can often be difficult to treat. Traditional medicine offers a large selection of treatments such as medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. There is no right or wrong way to deal with depression and oftentimes it can take a lot of trial and error to find the solution that is right for you.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 264 million people are affected by depression.
As research grows, modern medicine is looking at CBD oil as another treatment option for depression and other forms of mental illness. The calming effects of CBD oil are thought to help reduce anxiety and help users better deal with symptoms of depression.
Signs of Depression
Before taking any form of treatment for depression, it is important to fully understand your symptoms to ensure you are not suffering from underlying medical issues.
The symptoms of depression are varied and can often mask more serious conditions. Talk to your doctor if you are feeling depressed so they can run the necessary tests to determine a treatment that fits your individual needs.
Signs of depression to watch for include:
- Anxiety
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Sleeplessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of sadness
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Irritability
Recognizing the symptoms and seeking treatment immediately is the first step to feeling better. Once you talk with your doctor, you will be able to determine the level of severity and the right treatment for you.
Many doctors may suggest a combination of treatments including anti-depressants, counseling, and complementary therapies such as meditation. Many doctors will also work with patients to incorporate CBD oil into their treatment plan. Discuss your medical history to determine if CBD oil is a good option for you.
If your doctor does not support this type of treatment, ask for a referral or reach out to a clinic that can help you understand how CBD oil can help in your overall recovery plan.
It is important for patients to understand that depression can often be a lifelong battle and that there is no right or wrong way to treat the symptoms. This is why it is important to discuss a complete and multi-treatment option that addresses all your care needs.
How Can CBD Oil Help?
The science of CBD oil as an effective treatment for depression is still in its infancy. Clinical trials continue to be conducted around the world. Exhibiting studies have shown that CBD is an effective treatment for a number of depression symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Seizures
- Sleeping Disorders
- Nausea
- Chronic illness
CBD is derived from the cannabinoid compounds in the cannabis plant. Unlike delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it does not have the same psychoactive effects on the mind and body. CBD users experience euphoria and calmness rather than a ‘high’, making it a safe and highly sought after alternative treatment for many medical ailments.
The success rates of CBD oil use for depression are still unclear. As depression can be a complex health issue with many symptoms, it is important to note that CBD may be effective in treating some areas of depression such as anxiety and stress, but can not provide a complete ‘cure’ for depression.
More studies need to be done to continue to unlock the full potential of CBD oil as a treatment for depression.
The Research Behind CBD Oil For Depression
According to a 2019 study in The Permanente Journal, a single dose of 600 milligrams (mg) of CBD decreased anxiety in people about to give a public speech. Meanwhile, people who took 25 mg daily of CBD for a month reduced their anxiety and had a better quality of sleep, and the effect lasted for several months.
Though it is not clear exactly how CBD alleviates the symptoms of depression, studies in animals have found it does create an anti-anxiety response in the brain.
Studies involving animals performing a variety of experiments such as the forced swimming test (FST), elevated plus maze (EPM), and Vogel conflict test (VCT), found that CBD exhibited anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects.
Recent studies have also shown that CBD does not have the same negative side effects as traditional medication treatments such as sexual dysfunctions, insomnia, agitation, and mood swings associated with antidepressants. In many cases, CBD use led to a reduction in the use of other medications used in the treatment of anxiety and other neurological conditions. In a controlled study, within a cohort of 146 patients initiated on medical cannabis therapy, 45.2% of patients successfully discontinued their pre-existing benzodiazepine therapy.
CBD VS Anti-Depressants
Anti-depressants remain a trusted treatment for the symptoms of depression. It is important to always consult with your physician if you are feeling depressed and before taking any form of treatment.
Many patients may want to explore using CBD oil as part of their treatment due to fewer side effects and affordability. WHO figures indicate between 76% and 85% of people in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment for their disorder and that a number of barriers exist that prevent them from receiving care including:
- Lack of resources
- Lack of trained health-care providers
- The social stigma associated with mental disorders.
- Inaccurate assessment
The accessibility of CBD oil makes it a welcome alternative for many patients who would otherwise not be able to afford prescription drugs or who are looking for something to take as a complementary therapy.
It is important to understand that CBD oil is not a replacement therapy for mental health care. Patients experiencing severe mental health issues should continue to be monitored and supported by their physician.
Benefits
- CBD oil has also been shown to have a faster response time than anti-depressants providing patients with quicker relief of their symptoms.
- CBD oil does not have the same potential for severe side effects or addiction as anti-depressants.
- There are options for the ingestion of CBD oil than anti-depressants including edibles, vaping, or liquid form.
- CBD provides many of the same anti-anxiety and relaxation effects in a natural form without having to take a prescription.
- You do not experience the same withdrawal symptoms that would experience when you stop taking anti-depressants.
CBD Oil and Anxiety
For people suffering from mild depression or anxiety, CBD oil may be a preferred solution. Already known for its stress-reducing properties, many patients are choosing CBD oil as their treatment option for symptoms of anxiety such as nausea, shortness of breath, trouble focusing, and fatigue.
A 2019 Psychology Today report found that CBD could reduce social anxiety in a way comparable to ipsapirone and diazepam (valium).
Animal studies have also found that CBD was effective in reducing the symptoms of anticipatory anxiety and helped with the processing of emotional information. Scientists are also looking more in-depth at the possibility of using CBD in the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Where Do I Buy CBD Oil?
Before purchasing CBD oil, take the time to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. They will be able to indicate an acceptable dosage and recommend a treatment path that can safely incorporate CBD oil into your overall health journey as well as maintain any existing treatments.
CBD oil should be purchased from a trusted and authorized retailer. Always know the source of your CBD oil to ensure it has not been mixed with any other substances.
Always talk to your doctor if you feel you are suffering from depression.
CBD Oil Products for Depression
PureOrganix Canada does not intend to give this as professional medical advice. Do not attempt to self-diagnose, or prescribe treatment based on the information provided on this page. Always consult your physician before making any decision on the treatment of a medical condition.
