CBD oil is used by some to address issues with depression. It is commonly reported that CBD helps lessen the effects of depression and makes people who use it feel happier.
The fastest form of CBD oil to use for treating depression is vape. The CBD gets into your bloodestream faster, lowers anxiety and improves mood almost immediately.
The Best CBD Product for Depression:
For ongoing help we recommend a high potency CBD tincture like Joy Organics.
The best form for long term, sustained relief from depression is the oral tincture taken as a daily supplement (taken both in the morning and mid to late afternoon). For more insight into the best products to use for fighting depression, take a look at our ranking of the best cbd oil products for depression.
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About Depression
Depression is an exceedingly common health issue, and the lasting effects that it has in a person’s life can be devastating. Depression is very serious; it can make it difficult for those who have it to hold down a job, hard to do the bare minimum in taking care of themselves, and quite frankly, hard to survive.
On average, there are about 3 to 4 million people battling some form of depression every day in the United States. Depression makes it difficult to participate in your life, and it takes a surprising toll on the body as well. It can lead to insomnia, a weakened immune system, headaches, and fatigue.
Effects of Chronic Depression
Chronic depression, especially when left untreated, shrinks the hippocampus. That is the area of your brain responsible for storing memories and processing emotions. This can have lasting effects like increased memory problems over time and a decreased ability to experience emotion. This can be treated, though. There are some medications on the market that help with this, and CBD oil has shown evidence of promoting neurogenesis. This can help reverse the damage of depression to the hippocampus, and also means amazing things in the medical world surrounding certain brain conditions.
Treatment for Depression
Thankfully, depression can be treated. Psychotherapy is often the first line of defense, but most people with a form of depression end up taking medication. Medicine is incredible, and we have no doubt that it has saved many lives; but, we know from experience some of the problems that can arise with long term use of antidepressants.
Serotonergic medications, like SSRIs, can lead to weight gain, insomnia, and severe sexual dysfunction. In addition, some patients have noted that their medicine seems to lose efficacy over time; this is especially frustrating because of the time and effort that goes into finding one that suits their individual needs. What truly causes depression is still being studied, but there are many things we know can help to treat it. CBD oil is one of those treatments; it has recently emerged and become a topic of conversation among clinicians, doctors, psychiatrists, and researchers.
Exercise, nutrition, and having a steady support system will always be vital keys in releasing your brain from the literal cage of depression, but CBD oil makes for a great addition to your arsenal. It is legal in all 50 states, and a variety of studies have shown it to be a viable solution in the treatment of depression.
Cannabidiol is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has been recently rocking the medical world because of its many health benefits. As early as 2014, a study was conducted and went on to show that subjects treated with CBD oil had fewer instances of depression and anxiety.
CBD Oil for Depression
CBD oil works similarly to a SSRI in its interaction with the brain. It blocks the production of serotonin to make sure that the brain is using it in the synaptic space, instead of it getting wasted. When the brain can properly use this vital neurotransmitter, you will experience a more stable mode, reduced stress, and more.
Your body also has what is called an endocannabinoid system. When this system is not working properly, functions in the body like sleep patterns, moods, energy levels, and eating habits can all be affected. CBD oil interacts directly with the endocannabinoid system to restore that balance.
The primary way that you would take CBD oil for the treatment of depression is orally. You can purchase capsules, or tinctures to do this. Capsules you would take like any other pill. Tinctures, though, you can put a few drops in your mouth and allow them to absorb before swallowing or add a few drops to your food or drink. The downside to this method is that accurate dosing is difficult because of what is called the first-pass effect. Some of the drug is going to be lost before it reaches your circulatory system, which means you may see less or slower benefits. The way to avoid this, and the second way that you can use CBD oil for depression, is by vaping.
When you vape CBD oil, you use a vaporizer or vape pen device, much like an e-cig. It warms the CBD oil, forming a vapor that you inhale. Taking CBD oil in this fashion allows it to enter your bloodstream immediately. You will see the fastest results with vaping, and because it is so direct, the dosing is the most accurate as well.
Taking care of yourself inside and out is always important, and when you have depression, we know that can be difficult. CBD oil is a great treatment avenue for you to explore.