Depression and anxiety are challenges that affect a large number of people worldwide, negatively impacting their well-being and quality of life. Often, conventional treatments come with unwanted side effects. However, in the search for more natural and effective solutions, cannabidiol (CBD), a compound derived from cannabis, has gained attention. Can CBD truly offer relief to those struggling with depression?
These diseases have been treated with a variety of medications that have side effects such as insomnia, mood swings, sexual dysfunction, and others. Therefore, new alternatives have been implemented to treat them, and one of these is the use of cannabidiol, also known as CBD.
In this article, we will explore in detail the effects, benefits, and important considerations of using CBD to address depression.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of many chemical compounds extracted from the cannabis plant. This substance can bind to different receptors found in the nervous system and brain, causing changes in their cellular functioning.
It is important to note that brain receptors (CB1) are those that react with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), generating the psychoactive sensation this drug provides. At the same time, receptors located in the nervous system (CB2) can interact with CBD. That is why cannabidiol does not produce the well-being and addiction effects offered by normal marijuana consumption.
Does CBD Help with Depression?
As mentioned earlier, cannabidiol is a compound extracted from the cannabis plant and does not cause any psychoactive effect on those who consume it. That is why it is a reliable and organic product that will help people suffering from different conditions like depression to have a better quality of life.
Today, significant studies have been conducted to analyze the effects of CBD on people suffering from depression, and a significant change in their quality of life has been demonstrated when using the product. Among the improvements we can highlight:
- Acts directly on serotonin levels, raising them; that is, it helps to improve mood.
- Provides a sense of tranquility and calm, perfect for those who suffer from anxiety.
- Helps to have a deep sleep as it acts directly on the nervous system generating sensations of rest and tranquility.
- Decreases blood flow to the brain.
- Stimulates the hippocampus, causing it to grow and form new neurons.
What are the Benefits of Using CBD?
It has been proven that the use of CBD by people suffering from depression improves their lifestyle as it offers several benefits:
- Sleeping peacefully. CBD has been shown to improve sleep, one of the most common symptoms of depression.
- Has an anti-inflammatory effect. One of the most effective ways to treat the symptoms of this disease is to reduce neurological inflammation. Therefore, CBD has been shown to help relieve inflammation; in addition, it delays the progression of the disease.
- Increases serotonin levels. When suffering from depression, the brain’s chemical substances can be depleted by physical or environmental factors that damage mental health. When serotonin levels increase, so does the amount of substances used to treat depression, improving mood.
What Happens When a Person Suffers from Depression?
Depression is a disease that severely damages the mental health of those who suffer from it and negatively impacts their emotions and decisions. The disorder can start due to trauma or stress, and its symptoms are varied and include:
- Lack of Energy: People with depression often experience overwhelming fatigue and a general lack of energy. Performing daily tasks can become extremely difficult.
- Insomnia: Insomnia is a common symptom of depression. People may have difficulty falling asleep, wake up early, or experience frequent sleep interruptions.
- Loss of Appetite: Loss of appetite is another frequent symptom. People may lose interest in food and experience a significant weight loss.
- Feelings of Worthlessness: Individuals with depression often feel worthless, hopeless, and have low self-esteem. They may think they are a burden to others.
- Deep Sadness: Persistent and overwhelming sadness is a central symptom of depression. People may feel overwhelmed by sadness without an apparent reason.
- Difficulty Concentrating: The ability to concentrate and make decisions is severely affected. People may become indecisive and have trouble focusing on simple tasks.
- Suicidal Thoughts: In severe cases, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts. It is essential to seek professional help if experiencing such thoughts.
- Social Isolation: People with depression often withdraw from the social world, avoiding activities and social relationships.
- Behavioral Changes: Changes in behavior, such as irritability or aggression, can also manifest in people with depression.
- Physical Symptoms: Depression not only affects mental health but can also have physical effects, such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and chronic pain.
It is important to highlight that depression is a complex condition that varies in its severity and symptoms from one person to another. Understanding and support are crucial for those battling depression.
Who Can Use CBD and Who Should Not?
It’s worth noting that before starting to use CBD, it’s necessary to seek the advice of a medical specialist. While it helps treat various mental health conditions, it’s important to follow your doctor’s directions. However, there are contraindications for certain individuals who should avoid the consumption of CBD:
Who Can Consider the Use of CBD:
- Adults with Medical Conditions: CBD is often used as a complement to manage medical conditions such as epilepsy, anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. If you have a medical condition and are considering CBD as part of your treatment, it’s important to speak with your doctor before starting.
- People Seeking Stress and Anxiety Relief: Many people use CBD as a more natural approach to reduce daily life stress and anxiety. It can be an option for those who wish to avoid the side effects of other medications.
- Individuals Interested in General Well-being: Some people use CBD as part of their daily wellness routine. They may not necessarily have a specific medical condition but believe CBD can help them feel better overall.
Who Should Exercise Caution or Avoid CBD:
- Children: Although there is an FDA-approved medication containing CBD to treat certain forms of childhood epilepsy, the use of CBD in children should be supervised and recommended by a doctor. Other CBD products may not be safe for children.
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: The safety of CBD during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been established, so it is recommended to avoid it during these stages.
- Individuals with Liver Disease: CBD is metabolized in the liver, so people with liver diseases should exercise caution and consult their doctor before using it.
- People with Medication Interactions: CBD can interact with certain medications, especially those that are also metabolized in the liver. If you are taking other medications, it is crucial to talk to your doctor before adding CBD to your routine.
It is important to emphasize that the safety and efficacy of CBD are still being researched, and more research is needed to fully understand who can benefit from its use and under what circumstances. It is always recommended to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before beginning to use CBD, especially if you have medical conditions or are taking other medications.
How Can It Be Consumed?
Depression commonly affects eating habits, so you might consider consuming CBD oil along with food. However, the most effective method is to place it under the tongue for a minute. The optimal dose is a decisive factor that will depend on each individual.
What Is the Recommended Dose?
While there are various presentations of cannabidiol, one of the most common and beneficial is CBD oil, which comes in concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. It is advisable to start with 1 or 2 drops initially and increase as needed. However, consumption should not exceed six drops.
Side Effects
Currently, cannabidiol is considered safe; however, it is possible to experience certain side effects, including:
- Nausea.
- Diarrhea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Dry mouth.
- Drowsiness.
- Low blood pressure.
It should be noted that the symptoms presented by CBD consumption are rare and not very severe compared to some drugs used for depression.