Depression has now become a widespread disease. The WHO estimates the number of people affected at over 322 million of the entire population. This corresponds to an increase of around 18 percent within 10 years. To this day, there is still a stigmatization in places, people don’t take mental illnesses seriously! An additional burden for those affected. Many of them are turning to CBD for depression, hoping to find a natural and non-stressful remedy!
How can you recognize depression?
The classic “depression” does not exist. Many people are less active in phases of their lives, feeling melancholic, sad or sorrowful, among other things. Stress can lead to constant overload and the development of the disease depression. The symptoms are very varied, for some people everything is too much, other people only have problems in certain areas of life. Classic signs of depression include:
- Listlessness and overreaction to stress
- Crying for no reason and constant sadness
- Listlessness and withdrawal from social activities
- Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
- Lack of self-acceptance and constant feelings of guilt
- hopelessness and fears
If you suspect severe depression, it is always important to consult a doctor. Mental illnesses are no cause for shame, they are just as real as gastrointestinal complaints or other organic complaints.
You can find out if a person is suffering from depression by taking a test from a doctor. Targeted questionnaires enable an assessment of the situation. Sometimes depression is only part of life. Private life is not affected, but professional stress reduces the quality of life.
What is CBD and how does it work?
CBD is a cannabinoid from the hemp plant. Hemp has been used in traditional naturopathy for centuries to treat various ailments. Unlike THC, another cannabinoid, cannabidiol does not induce a high or induce a high. That is why it is so interesting for the treatment of various ailments. In addition to CBD itself, a full-spectrum oil contains other important ingredients:
- Terpene
- CBG
- CBN (not always)
- flavonoids
- Cannabichromen
- minerals, vitamins and proteins
Are there studies on CBD for depression?
Researchers in Rio de Janeiro suggested that CBD oil could be useful for depression. Various studies have shown that CBD can have an impact on the endocannabinoid system and the serotonin receptors in the brain. This would explain the anxiolytic and antidepressant effect. The effect has already been demonstrated in animal models, but it is not yet entirely clear whether it can be extrapolated to humans.
The goal of treating depression is to improve the quality of life of those affected. In many cases, patients recover after a one-off episode. Estimates assume, however, that around a third of all patients with depression are repeatedly affected by it in phases.
Studies in animals have shown that CBD oil can help with mental illnesses such as depression. By stimulating the receptors, symptoms such as listlessness, feelings of emptiness, self-doubt, insomnia and listlessness can be alleviated.
Can CBD replace an antidepressant?
Depression is a multifaceted illness. Those affected do not always take antidepressants for treatment. In some cases, behavioral therapy is also used to try to structure everyday life better and to change the way of life. In the case of mild depression, this can already have a significant effect. It depends on various aspects whether doctor and patient decide in favor of an antidepressant.
If the person affected develops suicidal thoughts in the course of their illness and the symptoms are very distressing, treatment can make sense. But even antidepressants are not a cure for eternity. Effectiveness may wear off after a while. It is crucial to work on lifestyle as well.
When patients look around for alternatives, they quickly come across the hemp plant. In fact, CBD drops are popular, mainly because of their favorable side effect profile. However, they should not be seen as a substitute for antidepressants.
Very important: If patients are already taking antidepressants, they must under no circumstances stop taking them on their own and immediately. Symptoms may get worse.
How is CBD used for depression?
Those who opt for CBD for depression will find numerous items on the market today. If medication is already being taken, it is important to consult the doctor first. Tricyclic antidepressants can interact with CBD and cause unwanted side effects. When taking SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors), CBD oil can usually be combined for depression. The same applies here: Always ask your doctor first!
For beginners, a CBD oil with a content of 5% is best. It is available in drop form and is so easy to dose.
Which CBD Oil Really Helps With Depression?
The variety of cannabinoids is impressive. The hemp plant has much more to offer than just CBD, most studies so far have been done on THC. THC can be counterproductive in mental illnesses, and it is (still) banned in Europe. CBD, on the other hand, is now the subject of several studies and researchers are struggling to find out what influence the cannabinoid has.
Most of the CBD remedies on the market are made to the same specifications. The THC content must not exceed 0.2%, and it must also be an EU-certified hemp variety.
Before an inferior product ends up in the shopping cart, buyers should find out about cannabidiol. Was it made naturally? Are the CBD products contaminated with herbicides and pesticides? An organic CBD oil consists of purely natural ingredients and does not cause any harmful substances to the body when used! The CBD extract is obtained from the hemp plant and then mixed with a carrier oil (usually MCT oil or hemp oil).
What dosage is correct for CBD oil?
Every human and many animals have an endocannabinoid system. The effect of CBD depends on how active this system is. Factors such as body weight, constitution and general effectiveness of medication also play a role. The active ingredient CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the human body. They are located in the central nervous system, in the bloodstream and in many internal organs.
In order to achieve the desired effect of CBD, experimentation is important. The CBD oil can work in small amounts, but some people need a higher dosage. At the beginning of the application, the smallest possible dose should always be used. A drop of cannabidiol is enough to begin with. Now there is a waiting period of 2 to 3 days. If there is still no effect of CBD, another drop can be added.
This continuous dosing is continued until the cannabidiol shows its effect. If medication is taken at the same time, it must not be discontinued under any circumstances!
Who is not allowed to use CBD?
Some medications, including tricyclic antidepressants, can interact with CBD oil. In this case, it is important to consult the doctor first. There are no known contraindications between SSRIs and cannabidiol/CBD. Again, asking questions is the best way.
Pregnant women should generally avoid using CBD. While cannabidiol/CBD has not been proven to be harmful to the fetus, there are no studies on its safety either.
Is CBD a miracle cure for depression?
No! CBD is not a miracle cure for depression. There is also no drug that is able to make depression go away within a few days. There are many aspects to healing. One of them is often to change your life and implement valuable tips. The first important step, however, is the willingness of those affected to seek help. Shame is completely out of place with depression, everyone can be affected by the disease!
CBD oil is not a miracle compound, but it can help alleviate the symptoms of depression. Experienced users report that CBD reduces their stress and thus relieves the brain. There is also talk of an increased drive. For a person with depression, even a simple walk can become an insurmountable challenge. If CBD is able to increase motivation, that is already a valuable help.
CBD and medication – can it work?
Depression is often triggered by a lack of serotonin. The messenger substance is responsible for well-being and balance. Two points must be distinguished: endogenous and exogenous depression. The endogenous variant arises from within, here a lack of the messenger substance serotonin is the cause.
An exogenous depression, on the other hand, is caused by external influences. A stressful everyday life, the loss of a loved one or the eternal question about the meaning of life can be responsible for this. Exogenous depression is more responsive to psychotherapy. In the case of endogenous depression, on the other hand, a targeted increase in serotonin helps best.
Theoretically, it is possible to use CBD products alongside medication for depression. With CBD oil, however, you should always consult your doctor first. There are very rare side effects, such as serotonin syndrome. It occurs when there is suddenly too much serotonin in the brain and it can become dangerous. The doctor can assess the effect of the medication and assess whether CBD oil can also be used for depression.
Does CBD have side effects for depression?
If CBD is used to treat depression, side effects cannot be completely ruled out. Many people report that they have not felt any negative effects, while others react with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract, dizziness or nausea.
The risk of side effects can be reduced if CBD oil is dosed slowly from the start. The effect only sets in after a few days anyway and only when the correct dosage has been found. Patience is required here, an overdose of CBD against depression is counterproductive for well-being.
Is CBD Legal for Depression?
CBD contains a maximum of 0.2% THC and is therefore legal in the EU. All CBD items that are available in our shop comply with these specifications. Although CBD is a cannabinoid, unlike THC, it is not psychogenic. Thus, there is no intoxication, nor is the listlessness further increased.
Bottom Line: CBD May Be Beneficial For Depression
The effects of CBD are still hotly debated and reviewed in research. It is already clear that many users like to use CBD products. Cannabidiol is considered a beacon of hope and CBD oil is a way out of depression for many people. Manufacturers are not allowed to make any promises of effectiveness, that would not be serious either. However, since most CBD products are very well tolerated, CBD for depression can be tried out without hesitation. In a few years, research will also be able to confirm the influence CBD has on the disease.