From the normal everyday challenges of modern life to pre-existing conditions that cause pain and stress, Americans struggle with depression. This potentially serious mood problem appears in 9.3 percent of medical office visits and 11.2 percent of emergency room visits. At the same time, anxiety troubles more than 40 million U.S. adults, making it the most common of the mental illnesses.
Both depression and anxiety occur for a variety of reasons, many of which may be helped by cannabidiol, or CBD. Let’s take a look at what CBD can do to ease uncomfortable feelings and stabilize mood.
CBD’s Effects on Mood Disorders
Although CBD counts as a cannabis product, you don’t have to worry about it actually getting you high. That’s because it’s made from hemp, not marijuana, and contains no more than 0.03 percent THC by law. CBD affects the body and brain by interacting with receptors in your endocannabinoid system — which in turn governs a huge number of biological processes, including those that regulate your mood.
One key factor in CBD’s ability to reduce depression may lie in its effect on serotonin. Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter associated with a feeling of well-being. Many people who don’t produce enough serotonin, or whose bodies can’t make good use of normal levels of serotonin, experience depression as a result. Research indicates that while CBD doesn’t actually cause increased serotonin production, it may help the body use whatever serotonin it produces more efficiently.
Anxiety may develop alongside depression or independently of it. Either way, CBD can help reduce it by exerting a calming effect on mind and body through its influence on serotonin levels.
Relief for Other Problems That Impact Your Mood
Many challenges can trigger or aggravate mood disorders. Chronic pain serves as a prime example. If you suffer from chronic pain, you may have poor sleep, depression about your condition, or anxiety over what the pain might mean. CBD has a natural pain-relieving effect that can help tame chronic symptoms (such as the pain and inflammation of arthritis). When your body feels better, your mood benefits.
CBD may also improve sleep quality if you struggle with anxiety that keeps you up at night. Its calming effect may allow you to fall asleep more quickly and easily.
You may find that CBD eases your mood in some surprising ways. For instance, if self-consciousness about acne makes you anxious or depressed, you should know that CBD may convey valuable acne-reducing benefits, giving you one less depression or anxiety trigger to worry about.
Feel Better With CBD Products
You can get your CBD from a wide range of products, from topical creams or lotions that help relieve depressing pain symptoms to tinctures, gummies, and capsules for quick, effective use inside the body. If you struggle with mood issues and your doctor’s recommendations so far haven’t helped, ask whether you should consider adding CBD to your everyday or occasional mood leveling regimen.