Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health problems in the world. It's been estimated that there are around 300 million people with anxiety disorders. The numbers for depression are also in the same range.
Canada has its fair share of anxiety and depression cases too. About eight percent of Canadian adults suffer from depression, while five percent of Canadian households are affected by anxiety.
The problem is that it is not really known just how many people suffer from these. This is because there is a tendency for others to not take mental health seriously or shame those who suffer from them. It makes people afraid to find help. This is one of the reasons why anxiety and depression continue to be a stigma in society. However, there have been many mental health help centers and communities helping those diagnosed with these mental disorders.
Fortunately, cannabidiol or CBD, a substance from the cannabis plant, may be able to help with treating these problems. It’s famous as a pain management medication, but it has also found use among people with anxiety and depression in recent years. And since the legalization of marijuana in October 2018, Canadians are purchasing CBD and CBD-infused products from their favorite online dispensary canada-based stores.
Now let's take a look at how it can be effective.
Difference Between Depression And Anxiety
But before we delve into how CBD can help, we first need to understand that anxiety disorder is a whole other condition from depression. However, they can happen to you at the same time. They can also trigger one another.
What Is Anxiety?
Generally speaking, anxiety is the worry that you feel when faced with something stressful. It’s a normal reaction with everyone, but when it lasts for a long time or is taken to extremes, then it becomes diagnosed as an anxiety disorder. There are different types of anxiety disorders, which include phobias, PTSD, and social anxiety.
These are some of the anxiety’s well-known signs:
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Intense fear or worrying
• Trouble focusing
• Very irritable
• Nervous and restless
• Prone to panicking
• Feels like they are in danger
• Increased heart rate
What Is Depression?
Depression is closely related to sadness and hopelessness, though it’s not necessarily the same as grieving. But when grief becomes overwhelming and takes over you, this can turn into depression. It’s the recurring feeling that makes you believe that nothing is worth it anymore. The more severe form is called clinical depression. This is the type that can completely affect how you live your life.
Depressed people often experience signs such as:
• Frustration and disappointment at self
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and emptiness
• Little to no interest in hobbies and other enjoyable activities
• Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
• Lack of sleep or too much sleep
• Constantly tired and unmotivated
• Drastic appetite and weight changes
• Socializes fewer lashes out more
• Becomes increasing reclusive
How CBD Can Help
CBD is one of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant. It’s become widely popular in Canada as a health supplement and alternative medicine. It’s also used as an alternative for people who don’t want to use cannabis but want to enjoy some of its benefits, like pain relief.
CBD affects the body through the endocannabinoid system, which consists of receptors that spread signals that release effects ranging from pain relief to relaxation. Though we make our own cannabinoids, foreign ones like CBD can help enhance their strength. CBD indirectly intercept with several receptors in the body, hence, bringing more of the mental benefits. This can help with treating symptoms that the body and mind can’t deal with on their own.
CBD With Depression
There have been previous studies showing that CBD has antidepressant properties that react quickly. CBD also worked on its own without having to interact with the ECS receptors, which increases its effectivity even more.
It was also found that CBD helped balance the serotonin levels in the body. A low serotonin count usually results in fatigue, negative thinking, and less interest in everything, which are all common symptoms of depression.
Depression can also reduce our appetite and make us lose weight. One of CBD's benefits is that it helps boost our appetite.
CBD With Anxiety
CBD's relaxing effects can be helpful for reducing anxiety and panic attacks. In one study, researchers found that taking CBD before a speech resulted in significantly lowered anxiety levels and therefore better performance.
There was also another study wherein anxiety patients were given fixed daily doses of CBD over the course of three months. Almost 80 percent of the patients reported feeling better in the first month, and even more so by the second month. Their sleeping patterns improved during this time period as well.
Best Used With Existing Treatments
Indeed, CBD is effective at helping deal with depression and anxiety symptoms. But the best course of action is still to seek professional help from mental health service providers in your area.
A physician will be able to develop a proper treatment plan for you. A prescribed dosage of CBD can also be used alongside your treatment for a more powerful effect.
Safety Measures Before Using CBD
Using CBD doesn't have any deadly side effects for the average person. Because CBD has little to no traces of THC, which is the psychoactive substance in cannabis, you're not in danger of getting high. The possibility of getting addicted is also extremely low.
Depending on the user's sensitivity, however, some unwanted effects might occur, including:
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
CBD may also induce chemical reactions with other medications you may be taking.
Final Words
CBD can be safely inhaled, applied topically, or taken orally. The proper dosage is needed in order to experience its full benefits. Your doctor can prescribe it for you, but if you're self-medicating, it's usually recommended that you start from small dosages and increase it until you reach the desired effects.
Though CBD is generally safe, it’s best that your products are sourced from trusted suppliers. To make sure that your CBD is genuine and high quality, you can buy from a licensed and certified online cannabis dispensary, as they often have their goods laboratory tested.
