Can CBD help with anxiety and depression?

Can CBD help with anxiety and depression?

Depressive disorders and anxiety disorders are the two most common kinds of mental illnesses. Although living with major depression or an anxiety disorder can be difficult, it’s possible to manage your mental health and still live a full, happy life.

There are many ways people manage their mental wellness, from therapy to self-care routines and medication. Some people also use supplements as well as CBD as mental health aids.

But does CBD really help? Here’s what you need to know about using CBD for anxiety and depression.
CBD, serotonin, and mental health
Many people claim that CBD lifts their mood. A 2012 study concluded that CBD might change the way our bodies use serotonin.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is often called the “feel-good chemical.” It plays a huge role in stabilizing your mood, appetite, and sleeping patterns.

Low levels of serotonin are associated with anxiety and depression, which is why both conditions are commonly treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs stop your blood from absorbing too much serotonin, thus allowing the brain to use serotonin more effectively.

The above-mentioned study suggests CBD might work similarly to SSRIs. A later study from 2018 suggested the same after finding that CBD’s antidepressant-like effects on mice depend on their serotonin levels.
The research on CBD for anxiety and depression
The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that some research suggests CBD that can help with the symptoms of anxiety disorders.

A 2012 review concluded that CBD seems to have anti-anxiety effects.
A 2018 review of studies concluded that there’s a fair amount of research to suggest CBD stress-reducing effects.
A 2019 study, based on animal subjects, found that CBD had antidepressant-like effects.

What’s more is that another 2019 study found that CBD might be able to help with insomnia, which can be caused by anxiety and depression. Insomnia can also contribute to poor mental health.

However, none of these claims have been studied enough for us to reach any conclusion. In order to know more about the effects of CBD on mental health, we’ll need rigorous studies done on human beings with these conditions. Future research will hopefully reveal more about whether CBD can help with depression and anxiety.
Using CBD for depression and anxiety
If you’re going to use CBD for depression or anxiety, there are a few things to bear in mind. Firstly, CBD is known to be a safe supplement and humans can tolerate large amounts of CBD at a time, but it can have some side effects.

These side effects include:
Fatigue
Change in weight
Change in appetite
Nausea and diarrhea

If you use CBD, be sure to do so safely. It’s best to clear it with your doctor first, as CBD can interact with certain medications. This can include medication you’re currently taking for your mental health.

Lastly, remember that CBD isn’t a replacement for therapy and self-care routines. Talk therapy with a licensed professional is one of the most effective treatments for depressive disorders and anxiety disorders. If you’re struggling to find a therapist, this guide to quality mental health resources might be helpful.