Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of nature’s most versatile compounds. Its anti-inflammatory properites make it a great solution for pain and its calming effects make it great for anxiety.
It can also help people with mood disorders.
If you’re living with a condition that impacts your mood and you’re wondering how to use CBD for mood disorders, you’re in the right place.
Like dozens of other mental and physical conditions, CBD for mood disorders can be very effective.
It’s one of the best natural remedies to treat conditions like bi-polar, even more so than its cousin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
With the right dose and a consistent routine, you can use CBD to help your mental wellness and improve your mood shifts. It can help you feel calmer when you’re anxious or more motivated when you’re depressed.
In short, CBD is a multi-faceted solution for mood disorders. By understanding the substance and how it works, you can use it to manage your symptoms and learn to navigate life with your unique challenges.
What Are Mood Disorders?
Psychiatrists classify mood disorders into two major categories:
– Depressive
– Bipolar
Wondering why anxiety isn’t on the list?
It’s true – anxiety impacts your mood. But it doesn’t classify as a mood disorder – however, people use CBD to treat anxiety, too.
Professionals define depressive mood disorders as long, ongoing periods of sadness and apathy. Feeling ‘down in the dumps’ every once in a while is normal but if it’s constant, you may have a depressive mood disorder.
Bipolar mood disorders are broader. If you have a bipolar mood disorder, you may experience states of depression or mania. It may be hard to predict what you will feel and when. Instead of ongoing sadness, you may feel overwhelming depression some days and uncontainable excitement the next. These symptoms make living with bipolar mood disorders challenging.
How Does CBD Help With Mood Disorders?
Unlike THC, CBD does not create a noticeably “high” effect. The “high” from THC can help some people with mood disorders but CBD is less likely to cause undesirable effects.
When you take CBD for mood disorders, you should feel a small “leveling out” in your day-to-day emotions. You may not feel as extremely sad during parts of the day and exciting events may not trigger your mania as easily.
It won’t sedate you or numb you like some prescription treatments for mood disorders – in fact, side effects of CBD are rare.
Not feeling anything the first time you try CBD?
You may need to take a larger dose.
Finding the right CBD dose can be trial and error. We recommend starting at 10mg and working your way up to larger doses as necessary.
You may need larger doses of CBD if you’re seeking a more noticeable, stronger calming effect. Lower doses tend to improve focus more so than treat depression and mania.
However, taking too much can lead to sleepiness. You want to find the sweet spot – how much CBD eases your moods without putting you to sleep?
Final Thoughts
If you have a mood disorder, CBD can be an excellent way to manage your symptoms. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before you try any new substances.
Your doctor can tell you if CBD is right for you and help you understand how it interacts with other medications. Never stop your prescription medications and replace them with a CBD routine – if your doctor recommends you to take your prescriptions alongside CBD, continuing doing so until you’re in the clear to stop.