While the overall health benefits of CBD are continuously being researched, there are quite a lot of health benefits that have been found and scientifically backed. Among these are chronic pain relief, reducing inflammation, help with anxiety, and also as a treatment for depression. Clinical trials and studies have found that the use of high-quality CBD oils can provide significant relief to people who suffer from these ailments.
CBD, the short name for Cannabidiol, is one of many compounds found in marijuana plants. For medical uses it is isolated from the psychotropic THC compound, so that users will only benefit from the CBD properties, and not get “high”.
CBD for depression
Depression is now one of the most common mental illnesses seen today – it effects approximately 8% of adults in Canada. Depression can affect almost every aspect of someone’s life, from work to social life, and overall well-being. Doctor’s may prescribe a multitude of drugs to a patient to help treat or manage their depression, but many of these drugs come with a list of various side effects which can still have a detrimental effect on the patient. These side effects can include mood swings, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. In the initial studies that have been performed using CBD as a treatment for depression, the results have so far been promising – providing positive results in treating depression, without the negative side effects of the pharmaceutical alternatives.
How Does CBD Help with Depression?
In the studies performed so far, it has been found that CBD can have positive effects on those suffering from depression (source). These results come from CBD having a positive interaction with serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a hormone that directly affects peoples’ emotional state and their feeling of wellbeing. One of the key factors in treatment of depression is maintaining a healthy balance in serotonin levels. By having a positive response in serotonin receptors, CBD can help with the maintenance of balanced serotonin levels, thereby helping to treat the depression.
Of course, while the benefits of CBD as a treatment for depression have been shown in clinical trials, it is important that people who suffer from depression seek out proper diagnosis and medical help. CBD can have positive effects on those suffering from depression, but conditions like depression need to be properly monitored by doctors. So if you are suffering from depression and using CBD to help, if you find your condition continuing or worsening, be sure to consult a registered health care practitioner and get professional help.
If you need urgent help dealing with mental health and depression, please out to those who can help you. You can find several resources here: https://www.ccmhs-ccsms.ca/mental-health-resources-1