The end of the year can bring with it a surge of anxiety, stress and sadness. But has the season just changed? Is there something else going on? If you struggle with seasonal mood swings, you’re not alone. About one in five Canadians will experience symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in any given year. In this article, we’ll discuss how cannabis could help relieve your depression during the fall and winter months.
What is Seasonal Depression?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs primarily during the fall and winter months. This type of depression has been linked to a lack of sunlight and has also been found to decrease with outdoor activities. While SAD is most common in northern climates which see a drastic drop in daylight during autumn and winter, its symptoms can also be triggered by long stretches of constant grayness or shorter periods of intense brightness. The exact causes of SAD are not fully understood, but there are several theories. For example, SAD could be linked to a lack of certain brain chemicals, or cannabinoid receptors in the brain could be under-reacting in people with SAD. Currently, there is no cure for SAD. However, studies have found that cannabidiol, or CBD, may offer some relief for those who experience depression as a result of their symptoms.
How Does Cannabis Help with Seasonal Depression?
The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors in the brain and associated tissues that responds to cannabinoids like CBD. The cannabinoid receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating functions such as mood, sleep, hunger, and pain. When the brain detects the presence of cannabinoids like CBD, it produces more cannabinoids to enhance the effect. As the body is constantly sending and receiving cannabinoids from the environment, cannabinoids can help to restore balance in the body. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t affect the mind, but it can still help to relieve symptoms of SAD by helping to restore balance in the body.
Which Cannabis Products Are Best for Seasonal Depression?
CBD oil is a popular treatment for SAD, but it’s important to note that it doesn’t work for everyone. If you’re interested in trying CBD oil for seasonal depression, be sure to consult a healthcare professional first. Some people find relief by vaping CBD oil, which is why it’s a popular choice for those living in warmer climates. Although there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that smoking cannabis is particularly helpful for SAD, it’s worth mentioning that many people report that vaping is effective for them. When it comes to selecting strains for seasonal mood disorders, it’s important to consider the symptoms you’re most prone to experiencing. If you tend to feel more anxious or irritable during the winter months, try strains that are known for their calming properties, like Blue Dream, Sour Tsunami or Northern Lights. For those who experience more sadness during the autumn, try strains like Girl Scout Cookies, which are known for their antidepressant properties.
Tips for Using Cannabis to Treat Seasonal Depression
- Start slowly: It’s important to slowly ramp up your cannabis use while treating SAD, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. It’s normal to experience some side effects, but if you feel too high, try lowering your dosage.
- Keep track of your moods: People with SAD may be more prone to mood swings, but it’s important to keep a close eye on your mental state, even if you don’t feel like it. Are you experiencing more sadness or anxiety than usual? If so, it’s important to bring these feelings to the surface so that you can address them.
- Keep a diary: It may seem like a hassle, but journaling is an important part of managing seasonal mood disorders. You’ll quickly notice patterns, such as the times of day when you feel sad and the places where you feel most depressed.
- Exercise: Depression is often linked to low mood and low energy levels, so if you exercise regularly, it may help with your energy as well as your mood.
- Eat your greens: A diet high in vegetables and fruits is another natural way to boost your mood. It’s also important to note that while cannabis can affect your mood, it isn’t recommended as a primary treatment for SAD.
Conclusion
As the weather becomes cooler and darker, it’s important to remember that there are many ways to cope with anxiety and sadness. From journaling to exercise and healthy eating, there are many ways to feel better when you’re feeling down. While cannabis can provide some relief for those who suffer from SAD, it’s important to remember that the use of any substance is never recommended as a replacement for therapy. In order to get the most out of it, it’s important to do your research, consult your doctor and follow the tips outlined above. Now that you know a little bit more about SAD and how cannabis could help, it’s time to get rolling with your treatment. There are many strains that are great for SAD, so it’s important to experiment and find the one that works best for you. Visit Wccannabis.co online dispensary for all your cannabis needs.
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