SAD or seasonal affective disorder is a real psychological disorder, a form of depression linked to the shift in the seasons. It is also known as the Winter Depression or Winter Blues. Generally, SAD occurs during the autumn and winter seasons and is less prevalent during the spring season or summer.
Experts estimate that 3 in every 100 people suffer from this seasonal disorder in the UK. SAD is more frequent in women than in men. The start of this depression can be in the late teens to early twenties up to 30 years old. Some cases experiencing SAD may have symptoms so severe that their quality of life is affected. Shockingly around six per cent of people need hospitalisation. It is one of the many disorders that
People who are diagnosed with SAD have the signs of major seasonal depression for at least two years. In addition, there are many symptoms that sufferers endure, including suicidal tendencies.
Common SAD Symptoms may also include:
- Insomnia
- Irritability or stress
- Constant low mood and internal strain
- Poor appetite or weight gain
- Over-sleeping
- Lethargy or lacking energy.
- Losing interest and inactivity
- Withdrawing from friends, family or a relationship.
- Feeling of hopelessness
- Feeling of guilt.
The specific causes of SAD are not identified, but it is usually connected with the reduction of sunlight and vitamin D deficiency. In addition, many patients create a higher level of the sleep hormone melatonin throughout winter because of the reduced sunlight exposure. A healthy person would have normal exposure to daylight to help boost and maintain their production of Vitamin D and produce adequate levels of melatonin. Fortunately, for people living in countries where natural light isn’t available all year round due to shorter days or months of bad weather, light therapy is a viable answer.
Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder
There are several methods of managing SAD. These include medical and natural such as antidepressant medications:
Medication for SAD
Prescribing antidepressant drugs is the most popular procedure. In addition, a therapist may prescribe serotonin reuptake inhibitors or monoamine oxidase inhibitors to improve the chemical balance in the brain.
SAD & Counselling
Speaking to a qualified mental health specialist or therapist really helps. You can even just talk to a person you trust.
Counselling is a different means of approaching SAD, which can be productive. An expert or someone the patient trusts may help with discussing issues.
Vitamin D & Light Therapy
Taking a Vitamin D supplement and light therapy can address and control the excess of melatonin in the cells. These can imitate sunlight on the skin that will also promote additional positive mind hormones and increase cognitive functions.
Another alternative is using CBD products. However, not all SAD patients react to just one form of treatment, and multiple combined methods work.
The CBD as an alternative
Enhancing the method of treatment with CBD Oil could dramatically improve the traits of SAD.
CBD Oil is well known to help with anxiety and depression in many people. There are many scientific and clinical studies being conducted regarding CBD oil as a viable alternative to medication for these mental health issues.
CBD or cannabidiol is just one of many hemp plant compounds, along with THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the part that gives the high feelings, which can provide adverse side effects for SAD patients. This is why smoking cannabis when you are experiencing SAD is not a good idea. Plus it’s illegal and can cause impairment. Luckily, Caligold CBD, like most CBD oils in the UK, has the THC removed and so is perfectly legal and can help patients. Always check your CBD supplier’s certificate of analysis to check there is no THC. A reputable brand will have its oils lad tested independently.
Some sufferers, however, may have adverse responses to the psychoactive element tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). To stop this, make sure you use hemp-derived cannabidiol or CBD items. These do not have the “high” effect of THC. Companies Caligold use high-quality organic CBD hemp extracts to provide exceptional and pure CBD oil products that are lab tested.
Studies on CBD and Anxiety
Insomnia and anxiety are the two significant indications of SAD that can be managed using CBD. A 2010 study showed the impact of CBD on social anxiety. The brain scans of subjects recorded modifications in blood flow in brain regions connected with anxiety. Conclusions in 2014 suggested that CBD also has antidepressant qualities. A case study published in 2016 determined the positive influence of CBD on handling anxiety and insomnia in children. Researchers found the test subject was able to sleep soundly when treated with CBD.
A more potent dose of CBD usually reduces the symptoms considerably better. The CBD oil should be taken orally to have the best effect daily. Generally, a single dose will not give the results required but continual use will yield a better outcome. CBD Oil is more effective than other forms for anxiety-based issues.
How to take CBD Oil for SAD
While there is a lack of professional and scientific study on CBD’s performance with SAD we must rely on anecdotal and public experience and advice. Many people have started to use CBD to combat all kinds of conditions. We are learning more each day.
Before including any CBD product into your routine for SAD, you should always consult your GP or doctor. But numerous people suffer from this dismal disorder, and CBD could offer a way to manage and maintain its symptoms.
