Mental illness is a very sensitive topic, and the openness of everyone about this condition varies. While some cultures are nondiscriminatory about talking and providing treatment for mental health conditions, some still view it as something connected to their religion. They consider people who struggle with psychological issues cursed or punished, and seeking help for it is a weakness. This, including stigma, discrimination, and many more reasons, makes it challenging to encourage people to consult professionals, which often results in the progression of the condition.
One of the common mental health issues many of us face today is depression. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are approximately 280 million people across the globe who suffer from depression. And lack of treatments for this condition often results in suicide, which contributes to one of the leading causes of death in people ages 15 to 29-year-olds.
In today’s world, where the health and medical field have been moving forward with medical advancement, treatments for mental health conditions have also become available. This includes psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and interpersonal therapy, and is often combined with a blended approach that includes medications or supplements like CBD products.
Causes of Depression
Depression is a complex condition, and depending on the severity of symptoms, it can be categorised as mild, moderate, or severe. Not everyone reacts the same when it comes to internal and external factors that can trigger depression. Hence some only experience situational depression or short-term type of depression, and others develop Persistent Depressive Disorder or the long-term form of depression.
While there isn’t a single reason why someone develops depression, experts believe that it can be caused by nerve cell connections, nerve circuit functions, and chemical reactions responsible for mood regulation, coupled with several other factors such as the following.
Genes
Genetic vulnerability plays an important part in many medical conditions, including depression. According to studies, depression can be linked to family history, and those with severe depression have a higher chance of having another family member with the same condition.
Gender
There is a wide gender gap when it comes to depression. Experts say that women are more likely to be depressed compared to men. Although there is no single explanation for this, women’s hormonal changes are suggested to be the culprit. Because women go through a lot of hormonal imbalances starting from puberty, other factors contribute to it, such as menstruation, pregnancy, menopausal stage, and even cultural stressors.
Age
Depression isn’t a normal part of and is not directly linked with ageing. It can happen to children, teenagers, young adults, and the elderly. However, elderly people are at higher risk of developing this condition due to having certain medical conditions, living alone, or lacking social support. As for the young population, while it is not caused by a single factor, depression is commonly caused by a combination of hormonal imbalances and stressful life events.
Life events
Life events can have a major impact when it comes to the development of depression episodes. Because life events affect mental health, it is suggested that continuing difficulties such as job loss, divorce, isolation, loneliness, or work-related stress can trigger depression. Even positive events such as a new job or promotion or getting married cause an imbalance in the levels of neurotransmitters which may lead to depression.
Medical condition
The body and mind work hand in hand to keep our body’s overall wellness. And because of this, our psychological well-being is also affected when we have body ailments. Unfortunately, there are health conditions that can be depression comorbidities. Research suggests that physical illnesses such as stroke, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, pain, and cancers are some of the conditions that can increase the prevalence of depression.
Medications
Medications are helpful when it comes to treating many diseases. Even patients with diagnosed depression need to take medicines in order to help them manage their symptoms. However, there are also some medications intended for other medical conditions that can cause and trigger depression. Although they are necessary to treat other health problems, their side effects have a negative impact on the brain chemicals. This includes medicines like isotretinoin which is used to treat acne, pills for contraception, hypertensive drugs, and even statins that help manage high cholesterol.
Abuse
Abuse is one of the major reasons why someone develops depression. Experiences of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse cause trauma, which brings lasting effects on our mental health. These traumatic events cause mental suffering that affects one’s ability to deal with stressful situations and how they view their self-worth, which increases their risk of developing mental health problems.
CBD Oil for Depression
There are pharmacology and psychotherapy treatments available for depression. And while both are helpful, dietary changes, including taking supplements and lifestyle modification, may contribute to the recovery and improvement of depressive symptoms.
One of the supplements gaining popularity is Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD. As more and more research explores its therapeutic potential, CBD products like CBD gummies, capsules, tinctures and infused drinks are suggested to have positive effects on depression. Although CBD is closely related to tetrahydrocannabinol delta-9 (THC) which is famous for its psychoactive effect, CBD does not cause intoxication or the feeling of high.
According to a study on the Therapeutic potential of CBD, this hemp derivative has displayed anxiolytic, antipsychotic and neuroprotective properties, which can be beneficial in the management of health conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress. Experts believe that this is due to the ability of CBD to activate and modulate the serotonin receptors in the brain.
Lifestyle Modification
Managing depression is a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle modifications. Focusing on feeling better using these tips can help you overcome depression.
- Set a daily routine and goals to keep you occupied and bring structure to your daily life;
- Stay active and exercise regularly to help you boost your mental health, which also benefits your overall wellness;
- Choose your food wisely and opt for healthy options to help your body fight free radicals that can also affect your brain;
- Establish a regular sleeping habit, as this will help you reduce depression symptoms;
- Avoid negative thinking;
- Discover hobbies that you enjoy to help you increase the levels of dopamine or your happy hormones.
Take Away
Depression is a complex condition that can become challenging to manage. Although it can occasionally occur in some, it can be a serious condition for others. The feelings that depression causes can make someone feel helpless, but that shouldn’t be the case, as there are lots of ways to manage it. You can always seek professional help to guide you on which treatment works for you best. This includes taking medication, lifestyle modification, or supplements like CBD to help improve symptoms and manage depression.
