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Does seasonal change bring you bluesy feelings that never seem to go away? Seasonal depression is real. In fact, it’s estimated that two million people in the UK suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. But what exactly is SAD, and what causes these intense feelings to bubble up? Today, we’ll explore this seasonal health issue and explore ways that CBD might be able to help you beat those winter blues.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder that some people experience at the same time every year. For most folks, that time of year is autumn and winter, when there’s less daylight and we generally spend less time outdoors. SAD is generally characterised by heightened feelings of depression or anxiety. Warning signs can include a constant state of being sad or cranky, greater appetite and weight gain, fatigue, concentration problems, the desire to be alone, and even suicidal thoughts.
While research into this issue is ongoing and we’re not certain of the exact causes of SAD, it’s believed that seasonal hormone changes are the biggest cause. With less sunlight in the autumn and winter months, the brain makes less serotonin, which helps to regulate your mood. When your serotonin levels aren’t where they should be, it can result in feelings of anxiety or depression.
There is a summer variation of SAD (“summer depression”), as well, which is less common than the “winter blues,” and is characterized by insomnia, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
What Is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of a group of compounds created by the cannabis plant, which are called cannabinoids. There are over a hundred cannabinoid compounds, and CBD is one of the two most prevalent (along with THC). Legal CBD products are made with CBD oil derived from a type of cannabis called hemp, which contains only trace amounts of THC (less than 0.2%, by UK law).
While cannabinoids, such as CBD, produce a number of beneficial effects for the plant, including warding away grazing animals and insect pests, these compounds also produce a number of benefits for humans and other vertebrate animals. This is due to CBD’s positive interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is a cell-signaling system that helps various organs and systems throughout the body to maintain homeostasis (balance). This helps the body to regulate a number of crucial functions, including mood, stress, sleep, memory, appetite, pain, motor control, immunity, and more.
What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
Because of the benefits that stem from CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system, cannabidiol is used now for a variety of needs. First, CBD is often taken to help boost overall health and wellness. This is why you’ll often find CBD in daily wellness products, such as our CBD + CBG Wellness Tincture and CBD Multivitamin Gummies. CBD also has natural calming effects, which make it ideal for stress-busting products, such as CBD Hemp Tincture and CBD Soft Gel Capsules. Those same calming properties make CBD a great ingredient for natural sleep aids, such as our CBD Sleep Gummies.
CBD is also an effective topical product, both for muscle and joint pain and for anti-inflammatory benefits, which make CBD a wonderful ingredient for skin-care products. Among the most popular topical CBD products are our CBG + CBD Lotion for Muscle & Joint: Heating Formula, CBD Muscle & Joint Cream: Cooling Formula, CBD Balm Stick for Muscle & Joint, and Calming & Moisturising CBD Balm Stick.
How Can It Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Before we discuss whether CBD can help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), it’s worth noting that research on the effects of CBD are still ongoing and the government has not yet approved the use of CBD for medical purposes. So, nothing in this article should be construed as medical advice for the use of CBD. What we can do is discuss some of CBD’s noted effects and see how they might be useful for a person suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder or depression. If you are suffering from a serious physical or mental condition, please consult your physician.
As you were reading above about the effects of CBD, you probably had a few “light bulb” moments, particularly for that bit about CBD affecting the regulation of mood and stress. In fact, the calming properties of CBD are great for dealing with frazzled nerves and stressful situations. While it’s definitely not a cure for depression, CBD can help relax your thoughts and relieve tension. This can be useful if you’re dealing with SAD, along with vitamin D, increased time outdoors in the daylight (or artificial light therapy), and exercise. And again, if you are experiencing severe depression, please consult a medical professional.
Final Thoughts
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be debilitating if it lingers for an extended period of time. If you think you may be suffering from SAD, the first step is to consult a medical professional. And consider ways to remove or reduce stress in your life. CBD is a great calmer of nerves and could be useful if you’re dealing with SAD or just plain old anxiety. Try one of our best-selling CBD stressbusters today!
Cold weather and limited sunlight got you down? Settle your nerves with a CBD Hemp Tincture!
