Many people experience a history of depressive episodes during a specific month or period of the year. Such depression is referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. With the increasing gradual use of medical marijuana, particularly THC, patients suffering from seasonal depression have started using marijuana to alleviate some of the clinical symptoms. The primary focus of this article, is the relationship between THC and depression as well as the ability of cannabis to alleviate depression.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression most commonly seen in harsh, cold, and windy winter periods. This illness renders a person incapable of displaying several moods, energies, or general physiological health and general performance in life.
What are Common Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or more commonly known as SAD, is a type of major depressive disorder that usually appears during certain periods of the year. Most often these periods are during the fall and winter when the number of productive hours is at its maximum and the amount of daylight is at its minimum. Patients suffering from SAD experience some of the most frequent symptoms around the same period every year. Below are some other common illnesses or terse problems:
- Sadness: A sense of sadness, agitation or a feeling of helplessness due to lack of perceived hope is the primary persistent sign of SAD. This may also include annoyance or a vexed state of mind.
- Tiredness or Low Energy: Patients with SAD may experience a peculiar type of low energy or tiredness even after taking adequate sleep. In most cases, this energy deficiency limits their accomplishments
- Sleep Problems: SAD might lead to some alterations in the sleep habits such as excessive sleep (hypersomnia) and not being able to get up in the morning. Even individuals who worship the sleep tend to feel they have not slept enough.
- Appetite or Weight Changes: Change in dietary pattern is a common phenomena in many people suffering from SAD where they overeat starchy food and snacks and gain more weight. This is more common for winter type SAD patients.
- Trouble Sustaining Attention: Another sign of seasonal affective disorder is a reduced level of attention and inability to complete set tasks. Even straightforward physical and mental activities may become difficult.
- Discontentment Within Feelings: People suffering from seasonal affective disorder display a peculiar condition in which they lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed.
- Avoidance of Society: SAD people’s days dissolve into closed doors of their homes. This increases depression, isolation, and drabness in their lives.
- Self-Pity and Sadness: Self-pity, guilt, and low self-esteem are other battalion members of the seasonal affective disorder.
- Headaches as a Trigger: Seasonal affective disorder can also impact physical states, for instance, a patient can complain about headaches caused by dramatic muscle tension.
Can Medical Cannabis Alleviate Symptoms of SAD?
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD can affect various chemicals in our brain that regulate our mood.
THC vs. CBD: Which Is Better for SAD?
THC and CBD both have their advantages. THC is helpful in quick boost of one's mood, while CBD can be more helpful for its calming effect.
Research on Cannabis as a Treatment for Seasonal Depression
Research shows that cannabis can be beneficial in the management of selected SAD symptoms. Many users feel that cannabis usage helps them, even though it is not a cure. A few points are:
- Favorable impact on mood: Those who use cannabis are in most cases happier than typical users.
- Escaped anxiety attacks: Anxiety can be reduced through the use of cannabis.
- Multiplier factor for sleep: Some strains are helpful in sleep enhancement and have antiseptic properties that are critical for mental health.
How Does Cannabis Help Manage SAD Symptoms?
Cannabis can have a positive impact on mood and anxiety levels
How Cannabis Affects Mood and Anxiety
Here are some ways cannabis may help:
- Mood elevation: Certain kinds of stall strains can increase ones mood and make them happier.
- Altered perception of anxiety: Feelings of anxiety may be calmed via the use of cannabis so one may feel more relaxed.
- Sleep: Some strains may cause improved sleep patterns which are vital for depression control.
Can Cannabis Help Increase Serotonin Levels?
Research suggests that cannabis may have a regulatory effect on serotonin levels in the brain. Also known as the happiness hormone, serotonin is critical in regulating mood and emotions. Cannabis appears to have some effect on serotonin production since it interacts with brain receptors which would be helpful to those with SAD.
Calming Effects of CBD on Depression Symptoms
Cannabidiol has relaxing properties, which may be beneficial in treating some of the symptoms of Seasonal Affective disorder such mood fluctuations, anxiety, and even sleep issues. For optimal outcomes, it is advisable to co-therapize CBD use together with physical activity and letting the natural sunlight in. Here are a few facts about CBD:
- CBD is non-intoxicating: Most people can consume CBD without worrying about being high or intoxicated, unlike THC.
- Anxiolytic: CBD is reported to assist in reducing one’s anxiety state; hence, it is easier to manage stress on a regular basis
- Better sleep: Many people claim that when using CBD, their sleep improves, and good sleep is vital for mental health.
Should You Consider Cannabis Edibles or Other Forms?
For some individuals suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), cannabis edibles could be the best treatment choice. Lets explore some of the advantages and diasadvanted of using cannabies side effects.
Are There Risks Associated with Cannabis Use for Seasonal Affective Depression?
In the treatment of anxiety disorders such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) cannabis usage comes with some risks that are worth knowing upfront.
Understanding the Risks of Marijuana Use Disorder
- Dependence: There are some users who may become excessively addicted to cannabis products that it will be hard for them not to use it.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: The sudden stopping of cannabis may lead to withdrawal which will cause discomfort, anxiety and troubles with sleeping.
- Mental health Effects: Chronic cannabis users are more likely to experience depression, have anxiety and even develop suicidal tendencies in some individuals.
Tips for Safe and Responsible Cannabis Use
Cannabis is becoming more prevalent all over the world which has led to a lot of street marijuana to crop up on sale, and even though it has positive health effects, one should be cautious while consuming cannabis. Whether you are a medical or a recreational marijuana smoker, here are some tips that will help you have a safe and good time:
- Start low and go slow: Do not raise your dose until you figure out how much is tolerated by the body.
- Consult a healthcare provider: A doctor needs to be consulted before using cannabis especially when other diseases are present.
- Monitor Your Use: Self-regulation is important especially in the use of cannabis in order to build it how frequent and the quantity used.
How to Get Started with Medical Cannabis for SAD?
Before using medical cannabis in treatment for seasonal affective disorder, the following aspects should first be analyzed:
- Healthcare provider involvement in cannabis Use: get a healthcare provider who will help guide you through in cannabis usage in such a way that it will not have negative effects on your health.
- Which SAD and its alternative and complementary therapies – know other treatment which will assist to overcome seasonal depression.
Questions to Ask Before Starting Cannabis Therapy
Taking up cannabis therapy is a big step, especially if it is prescribed for health reasons. To make sure it is appropriate for your needs and that it can be used to its fullest potential, there are some significant issues to discuss with your physician:
- What’s the likely benefit vs risk profile of cannabis based therapies for my condition?
- What changes will I expect that will confirm to me that the substance is working?
- How much of the remedy should I take first, and at what rate should I increase it?
Final Thoughts on Using THC for Seasonal Depression
THC and CBD products can be beneficial to individuals suffering from seasonal affective depression, but these should be used with caution and the instruction of a doctor. Cannabis is not the same for everyone. What worked for someone may not work for someone else. Consider also finding avenues how other areas, such as counselling, exercise and healthy habits, can contribute to mental well being. It would be worthwhile to think how increased awareness of the potential health benefits of cannabis may contribute positively to these areas, but overlook any rash decisions while looking for alternatives to improve mental well-being in hard times.