We live in a world that often challenges our state of mental and physical wellbeing at every turn.  Each of us has certainly experienced some level of depression at some point in our life. There is a difference, however, between having moments of feeling down and sad due to disturbing life events and being in an ongoing state of hopelessness and despair. Those who suffer daily or chronic depression often reach a point that demands some form of immediate help. The traditional pharmaceutical anti-depressant medications have proven to have dangerous and toxic physical and mental side effects. In search of an alternative, many people have discovered the natural anti-depressant effects of the non-intoxicating cannabidiol CBD. 

Let’s look at the top 5 common symptoms of depression and see how the natural healing properties of CBD can help to relieve these symptoms.

1. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness:

This is expressed as a feeling of being in a black hole. Nothing will ever get better and there is nothing you can do to improve your situation. What we know about

CBD is that it acts on the 5-HT1A receptors in the following systems in the brain:

The Dopamine System, which regulates many aspects of behavior and cognition, including reward-seeking behavior and motivation.

The Serotonin System that is involved in CBD’s antidepressant, anti-anxiety, neuroprotective benefits.

The Opioid System, where CBD acts as an “allosteric modulator “on your opioid receptors to reduce pain and the effects of chronic inflammation.

Introducing CBD Oil into your daily routine will begin the process of activating the benefits of the role it plays in the Serotonin Pathway, which regulates mood, cognition and memory.

Because the 5-HT1A receptor is located in diverse areas of the brain, CBD is able to exert a strong range of effects. The anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects of CBD positively impact your mood which helps return you to a sense of confidence in yourself and daily life.

2. Loss of interest in daily activities:

You find yourself losing interest in hobbies, social activities or sex. You seem to have lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.

Again, this symptom of loss of interest is physically expressed as a loss of natural internal balance and equilibrium. A physically active, socially interactive, and sexually active life maintains the body/mind homeostasis.

CBD, through the activation of the serotonin pathway, helps bring the body and mind back to balance. Once the body/mind maintains internal balance, over time, the natural feelings of interest, excitement and inspiration will return.

3. Sleep changes:

You have either insomnia, especially waking in early hours of the morning, or you are oversleeping.

The relaxing effect of CBD along with the anti-anxiety aspect allows you to bring your sleep back to a natural healthy pattern. Dosing depends on your need and your own physical profile, however, generally a few drops of high-quality CBD oil under the tongue will provide you with a deep nights sleep and a bright new morning!

4. Concentration problems:

You have trouble focusing, making decisions or remembering things.

The use of CBD for depression allows for the continued action upon the 5-HT1A receptor in the Dopamine and Serotonin Systems, which regulates mood, memory and cognition. As the other symptoms of depression subside, homeostasis is returned to the mind/body and along with it comes increased mental clarity.

5. Self –loathing:

You experience strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You constantly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes. 

As with the other symptoms of depression, the introduction of CBD into your daily routine will activate the Serotonin and Dopamine pathways and allow you to feel more at ease and uplifted. Once you are ‘out of the woods’ so to speak, of helpless, hopeless, unworthy perceptions, you can experience a lighter environment to explore making positive choices for yourself. When you actively and clearly make life choices that allow joy and fulfillment for yourself, over time, you naturally will drop thoughts of unworthiness and despair.

Is CBD the ‘answer’ to treating depression? 

Research is continuing to uncover the healing properties of cannabidiols from both cannabis and hemp, in spite of the scientific research being stifled until relatively recently. However, the laboratory of humans personally experimenting with using CBD for ease of symptoms of depression is growing in numbers. The personal testimonies are very encouraging. The side effects are negligible at most and the benefits are giving people back their mental and physical health. 

Have you had experience with using CBD for depression or anxiety?

Would you be willing to share your story? 

We would love to hear from you either in the comment section below or email us at info@hempelement.ca