Can CBD Help Treat Depression?

CBD or cannabidiol is a compound that is naturally found in cannabis products and it’s gained a massive amount of popularity throughout many studies since its more widespread legalization. CBD is known for producing a wide range of health benefits one of which being its ability to treat depression. Based on initial studies CBD can offer improved results with managing conditions of depression.

CBD is one of the more than 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant. It’s a compound that is similar to THC but it doesn’t produce the same type of high or euphoria that commonly associated with cannabis use. CBD does not have the same effects on the body, it’s not as addictive but it can deliver a measurable benefit when it comes to affecting brain chemistry and maximizing overall health.

Anxiety and depression disorders are some of the most common mental health conditions that affect us all. Depression can have an ongoing and lasting effect on a person’s life and their ability to socialize, feel well, and function in society. Most doctors will prescribe pharmaceutical drugs in order to manage the symptoms of depression. Many of the drugs that are prescribed for depression can come with heavy side effects such as ongoing issues with mood swings, sexual dysfunction, sleeplessness, and more.

CBD offers the promise of being able to manage the symptoms of depression while also carrying fewer side effects than any other pharmaceutical method for managing depression. Based off of initial research from 2014, CBD was found to be useful in treating depression. CBD can have positive interactions with serotonin receptors in the brain which can impact a wide range of functions across the body. As serotonin can often help us to manage our range of happiness and well-being, balancing our serotonin levels can be beneficial for people that have trouble regulating them as a result of their depression.

Testing And Research

Based on animal testing with CBD there is evidence that CBD can manage serotonin levels and treat depression. According to studies conducted in 2014, CBD can act equally as effectively as antidepressants were anti-anxiety medication. Further review studies conducted in 2018 suggested that CBD delivered significant antidepressant capabilities in animal models. Further research in human trials is needed but this can be an essential step towards finding a link between CBD use and managing the symptoms of depression.

CBD And Related Conditions

CBD can also help to manage some of the other symptoms associated with depression. As many people with depression struggle with insomnia, irritability, pain, and more, CBD can work at tackling some of the symptoms as well. By improving items like appetite, sleep, pain and swelling, and more, it is possible to work at improving a person’s overall health and then managing their symptoms of depression as well. Being able to improve these symptoms across-the-board can help a person manage their serotonin levels and prevent the chance that other co-mingling conditions would affect their mental health.

If you’re interested in managing your mental health without the use of pharmaceutical methods, speak to your doctor about the use of CBD. Talking to a physician will help you learn if CBD would be a good option for managing your condition. With regular CBD usage, you may be able to taper off your use of pharmaceuticals or potentially manage conditions without pharmaceutical help and the negative side effects that you experienced from medication.