It’s that time of year again. The days are getting shorter, and springtime feels a lifetime away. For many people around the world, this time of year brings on low energy, difficulty concentrating, poor sleep and loss of interest in normally pleasant activities—among other symptoms.
In some cases, these feelings signal clinical depression and should be addressed with a care provider. But in other cases, these symptoms are commonly associated with seasonal depression, otherwise known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.
If you’re like the millions of people seeking relief from SAD, you benefit from a daily dose of Cannabidiol, or CBD. In this article we’ll discuss how CBD products interact with the human body, as well as tips for choosing the right format and dose to meet your individual needs.
What are cannabinoids and where do they come from?
The human brain—as well as those of animals—is home to a network of receptors known as the Endocannabinoid Receptor System, or ECS. These receptors communicate via neuron pathways, helping our bodies manage important processes like sleep, mood and pain management.
As its name suggests, the ECS functions best when it receives appropriate levels of cannabinoids, some of which our bodies produce and others that can be found in certain foods and health supplements.
The hemp or cannabis plant contains more than 100 known cannabinoids, with the most well-known being Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unlike psychoactive THC, CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that does not produce feelings of being “high,” but instead acts as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory when taken orally or applied topically. How does CBD help relieve SAD and occasional depression?
Because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, CBD is used to address a wide variety of common ailments—and many of these are also hallmark symptoms of seasonal depression:
- Low energy. One of the most common complaints for SAD sufferers is a lack of energy and motivation. As this article suggests, a growing number of medical researchers have begun exploring the use of CBD as a stimulant and daily energy booster.
- Poor sleep. CBD has been shown to help with insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness disorder, among other sleep disorders.
- Anxiety. Recent studies have shown that CBD can help our brains control feelings of panic (otherwise known as “fight or flight” response), thereby alleviating occasional feelings of anxiety associated with seasonal depression.
- Changes in appetite or weight. Cannabis has long been used to stimulate appetite in patients undergoing chemo treatment, and emerging research suggests a daily dose of CBD may also help suppress appetite in overeaters suffering from depression.
In a nutshell, CBD works by clearing pathways in the brain, helping users to combat negative feelings (the root of many depressive symptoms) and make way for more positive thoughts and moods.
What type of CBD is right for me?
Deciding to try CBD is a personal choice that’s best made after reviewing all the information available to you. You may even want to consult with a healthcare professional who can review your symptoms and make appropriate recommendations.
If you decide to introduce a daily dose of CBD into your wellness routine, we recommend starting with a combination of our best-selling oral and topical treatments.
And as always, when it comes to purchasing any health supplement, quality matters first and foremost. At The Happy Camper, we maintain the industry’s highest standards for sourcing, harvesting and extracting CBD oil from organic hemp. Our customers can find up-to-date Certificates of Analysis so they can be confident they’re getting quality CBD—and nothing more.
Want to know more about managing seasonal depression with CBD? Drop us a line! We love answering our customers’ questions and helping everyone experience the benefits of high-quality CBD.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.