BS, Dietetics and Nutrition
Though still a less-recognized issue, depression is a severe psychological illness that can severely affect one’s social and personal life. The common characteristics of depression are lowering mood, persistent feelings of dejection, and loss of interest. Dealing with depression can be very overwhelming. Contrary to what many people think, depression (clinically known as Major Depressive Disorder) is not a weakness or a motivation deficit, and one cannot just snap out of it.
It is not uncommon for people dealing with depression to have suicidal thoughts. These abstract thoughts can confuse and scare you. It is often challenging to explain to someone what you are going through. Experts believe that CBD has the potential to relieve depression and can help you come out of suicidal thoughts. Manufacturers have introduced CBD-infused products such as CBD capsules, oils, tinctures, and gummies. This article will explore whether CBD capsules can help relieve depression and prevent suicidal thoughts. You can also explore the CBD capsules at CBD.co if you feel intrigued about their therapeutic values.
CBD is an active compound obtained from the Cannabis Sativa. The CBD extracts are encapsulated in a gelatinous sheath to produce CBD capsules. When taken orally, they can deliver various therapeutic benefits, as it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It also helps relieve nausea and vomiting. CBD capsules can also help improve digestive health. Studies have also shown that CBD can manage blood pressure and glucose levels. If you are a CBD enthusiast you would know that it is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. i.e., it does not induce a sense of high. However, CBD can affect your psyche and help uplift your mood.
Studies show that CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. CBD binds with the endocannabinoid receptors present throughout different body organ systems and brings about therapeutic effects.
Can CBD Capsules Help You Come Out of Suicidal Thoughts?
Yes, studies have shown that CBD has the potential to influence the brain cells and reduce depressive behavior, including suicidal thoughts. A 2014 study indicates that CBD is useful for treating depression. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression. Though CBD does not boost serotonin levels, they interact with the serotonin receptors in the brain and alter the way the receptors respond to the serotonin present in the circulation already.
High serotonin helps reduce depression by inducing a sense of happiness and satisfaction. Some experts believe that CBD slows down the metabolization of serotonin. It means the serotonin present in the circulation stays in the system for a long time, leading to increased amounts of serotonin in the bloodstream.
Studies also indicate that the anti-depressive action demonstrated by CBD happens due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid receptors present in the central nervous system. A recent scientific review published in 2018 affirms the anti-stress effects of CBD.
Anecdotal evidence also shows that consuming CBD capsules can help you feel motivated and enable you to meet your day-to-day activities with enthusiasm and energy. It can also clarify your thoughts and help you come out of your suicidal thoughts. People coping with depression often fall prey to substance abuse. Evidence suggests that taking CBD capsules can help manage addiction.
How Are CBD Capsules Different From Anti-depressant Drugs?
Usually, conventional antidepressant drugs take several weeks to show effect. However, CBD capsules work much faster. An animal study published in 2019 showed that CBD had sustained depression-relieving effects. CBD can also be beneficial for treating the side effects of antidepressant medications such as insomnia, sexual dysfunction, mood swings, and agitations. In addition, CBD capsules do not usually cause dependence. Thus, CBD capsules can be used for an extended period if needed.
Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand. CBD capsules can help with both conditions. A study showed that people administered with 600mCBD experienced significant improvement in social anxiety. Another study demonstrated that lower doses of CBD (300mg) could also help reduce anxiety. CBD also triggers dopamine (the “feel-good” hormone) synthesis, which helps induce a feeling of calmness and relieve anxiety.
How Much CBD Should You Consume In A Day?
Figuring the correct dosage of CBD can be challenging, especially if you are a first-timer. The ideal dosage for CBD is calculated considering three factors: the body weight, the condition for which you are using CBD, and your metabolism.
Experts advise the users to start with a low dose of CBD capsules if they are a newbie. You can increase the dosage slowly as your body begins to get accustomed to the effects of CBD. You can start with a dose of 20-40mg per day. You can increase the amount by 5mg after a week but may not experience much relief within the first few days. A 300-600 mg dosage is considered beneficial for treating depression and preventing suicidal thoughts.
Is It Safe To Consume CBD Capsules To Deal With Depressive Thoughts?
CBD products are usually safe to consume and do not cause severe adverse reactions. However, it is not rare for people to experience some mild-to-moderate side effects, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Changes in weight
Furthermore, some people might also experience allergic reactions to CBD capsules. People are allergic to terpenes such as linalool and d-limonene, nuts, etc. The common symptoms of hypersensitive reactions to CBD capsules are:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Dry cough
To conclude, CBD is becoming increasingly popular among health enthusiasts. It influences the level of serotonin in the system and induces a sense of happiness and satisfaction. Its therapeutic effects extend to depression too. While studies show that CBD capsules are generally safe to consume, some reports indicate that these capsules can also cause side effects, if not taken in a prescribed dose. Moreover, CBD capsules can react adversely with certain medications. Thus, if you want to include CBD capsules in your daily regime, we recommend consulting your physician first, as they might help with the dose and help you avoid any complications.
