Depression is a mental health condition with many subtypes. For those looking for a simple depression definition, it can be described as an illness with symptoms that create a low mood, affects behaviour, the ability to take part in daily activities, and enjoyment of life. Depression can be mild to severe, it may or may not have a specific cause, and can last for a varied amount of time. It also often co-exists with other health conditions, such as anxiety, and often affects quality of life.
Clinical depression is one of the most common subtypes, and its symptoms are a persistent low mood, feelings of hopelessness and low self-esteem. While it is normal for people to experience these things at times, clinical depression is where low moods and negative feelings last for weeks or months.
Other types of depression include manic depression or bipolar depression. This is the low mood swings that someone with bipolar disorder shows after a period of feeling high, or manic. There is also seasonal depression, where a person may feel low during the darker and colder months of the year. Another common type of depression in post-natal, where fluctuating hormones and life-changing event of having a baby can bring on depression in either female or male parents.
Whatever the type of depression, there are some common symptoms:
- persistent low mood
- tearful
- feeling worthless
- low self-esteem
- low energy and fatigue
- being unproductive
- lack of self-care or interest in appearance
- insomnia or sleeping too much
- anxiety
- suicidal thoughts
Sometimes there is a clear reason why someone develops depression. For example, it could be after a traumatic life event, losing one’s job, separation or divorce. Depression may also simply be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine. It is also possible that depression could be hereditary. Those with a parent or sibling with depression are more likely to develop the condition.
If you are beginning to notice signs of depression in yourself, or someone else, it is important to take action. Depression typically responds well to many types of treatment.
Traditional Treatment Options for Depression
The most common treatment for depression are medications such as anti-depressants. These are designed to improve the balance of chemicals in the brain, most often serotonin. While antidepressant medications can be effective, they often take weeks to work properly, it can be hard to find the right dosage, and they produce some unpleasant side-effects. It is also not possible to stop taking antidepressant drugs without weaning off them slowly.
Therapy can also be an effective way to manage depression, especially if there is a specific cause. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or talking therapies may help a person get an insight into their condition and understand how to recognise when they are about to have a low episode. Other types of therapy that can help relieve symptoms are creative activities, and those that involve socialising with others.
A healthy lifestyle, diet and regular exercise is also an effective way to manage moderate depression, and could also be just as effective as medication. There are also health supplements that help relieve depression symptoms, such as CBD oil.
CBD Oil for Depression
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid that comes from hemp plants, and CBD oil has a high concentration of this cannabinoid as well as some others that are also found in the plant. Hemp is often confused with marijuana, as both plants are a species of cannabis. However, hemp plants do not get users high and it has many medicinal and practical uses. CBD oil is safe and legal, and there is a growing amount of research into its therapeutic effects.
Many people turn to CBD oil for anxiety and depression as a natural alternative to medication, or to reduce the amount of medication needed, and its positive effects are backed up by science.
A 2020 study1 by the University of Pittsburgh and Augusta University, USA, looked into the effects of CBD on depression and found that “CBD stimulates the synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis which also plays a role in the development and treatment of depression.” The area of the brain known as the hippocampus is important in helping to regulate emotions. In those with depression, the hippocampus does not function well and new cells (neurons) are slow to grow. CBD has neuroprotective qualities and could help to promote the growth of neurons in the hippocampus and improve how a person balances emotions.
In addition to having depression, many people have also have anxiety, and the two conditions often coexist. CBD has been shows to provide significant relief from anxiety, which also has a positive effect on symptoms of depression.
When looking for the best CBD oil for anxiety and depression, it is always recommended to source a top quality oil from a trusted seller. This ensures that you are getting good value for money, a safe product, and the best restorative effects.
The correct CBD dosage is also essential to getting the most from using the oil. As everyone is different, people respond to CBD oil in different ways. That’s why we believe that a personalised CBD oil dosage is essential. Our CBD dosage calculator gives you a recommended dosage based on your personal details, taking the guesswork out of using CBD for depression. Simply enter a few details and get your results displayed on your screen and sent via email.
CBD oil, depression and anxiety continue to be a subject that provokes research and discussion, as many who use CBD oil report beneficial effects on their symptoms. Initial studies have shown promising results too, lending weight to the benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids in treating mental health conditions like depression.
What you need to know about CBD and Depression
Depression is a mental health condition with many subtypes. Overall, depression shows as a continuous low mood, feelings of hopelessness and a person may have a lack of interest in things they once enjoyed. When severe, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts, and suicide itself. Thankfully, with the right treatment, many recover well from depression.
Depression usually responds well to treatments such as medication, however it does take time for people to feel better. It is also a trade-off between feeling better mentally, and dealing with the side effects. Diet and exercise are also important in managing symptoms of depression. Supplements such as CBD oil may help to reduce the need for medications, helping to avoid unwanted side effects.
CBD oil has been shown to be effective in treating symptoms of depression and anxiety. The neuro protective qualities of CBD improve the way in which brain cells regenerate, helping to combat depression. The relaxing and calming effects of CBD also improve mood and well-being.
The optimal CBD oil dosage for depression depends on the individual and the severity of symptoms. Factors such as height and weight should also be considered when finding a CBD oil dosage. Using our CBD calculator, you can find a personalised recommended dose and get the results in seconds.