CBD continues to make headlines in the wellness world, and its consumers are regularly growing. The reasons for employing it are also getting increasingly diversified. The seasonal affective disorder is also one of the reasons why some users turn to CBD. SAD affects 10 to 20% of patients with severe depressive disorder and roughly 25% of people with bipolar disorder. If you're wondering how CBD can aid in this condition, this article is for you. 

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder that occurs in certain people at the same time every year. It was first documented and named in a study paper by Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D., in 1984 and has since been recognized as a common recurring major depressive disorder.

For most people, that time of year is fall and winter, when there is less daylight, and we spend less time outside. It is also referred to as "winter depression" since the symptoms are more noticeable and severe during the winter. However, some individuals with SAD may have symptoms in the summer and feel better in the winter.

SAD is characterized by increased feelings of sadness or anxiety. A continual state of depression or crankiness, weariness, concentration issues, increased hunger, weight gain, and a need to be alone are all warning indicators. These symptoms can be severe for some people and substantially influence their daily activities.

One thing to note is that symptoms can differ based on the season. For example, winter symptoms include greater appetite, weight gain, and trouble concentrating, while summer symptoms include weight loss, less appetite, and difficulty sleeping. 

What causes Seasonal Affective Disorder? 

While study into this condition is ongoing, and we don't know the specific causes of SAD, seasonal hormone alterations are thought to be the main problem. At various seasons of the year, hormones produced deep inside the brain cause attitude changes. 

According to one theory, decreased sunshine in the fall and winter causes the brain to produce less serotonin, a neurotransmitter connected to brain pathways that control mood. When nerve cell connections in the brain that govern mood do not function properly, it can lead to feelings of sadness, weariness, and weight gain.

Dysfunction of the hypothalamus can also affect melatonin production and the internal clock. Melatonin is a hormone that makes you drowsy; in individuals with SAD, the body may create more of it than usual. Because your body requires sunshine to time numerous critical tasks, reduced light levels throughout the winter may interrupt your body clock and cause SAD symptoms.

How to treat SAD?

Depending on the severity of the condition, several methods exist to treat or reduce the symptoms of SAD. Many of these modifications are self-help, but because the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder overlap with other depression diseases, it's crucial to seek expert medical assistance to determine what's causing your problems.

Light treatment: a unique lamp known as a light box equipped with a UV filter is used to replicate sunlight exposure. It is usually combined with complementary therapy and antidepressant medication.

Individual therapy: such as cognitive behavioral therapy and consulting with the psychologist. 

Lifestyle adjustments: Getting as much natural sunlight as possible, exercising frequently, and managing stress levels

What is CBD?

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the hemp plant, which is a lesser-known cousin of marijuana. The main question about CBD is whether it can cause a high or not, and the answer is no since CBD contains less than 0.3% THC – tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound responsible for 'high,' which makes it legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. 

Can CBD help with Seasonal Affective Disorder?

As mentioned above, dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters in the brain, play essential roles in regularly controlling your mood and happiness.

By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, active chemicals in cannabis, such as CBD, have been demonstrated to increase levels of serotonin and dopamine production actively. As a result, users claim CBD has the potential to aid in treating symptoms such as anxiety and sadness, as well as seasonal affective disorder.

A 2010 research indicated that individuals with generalized social anxiety disorder experienced considerable alleviation after being offered 400mg oral doses of CBD.

While CBD is not a cure for all, according to testimonials, it may alleviate SAD symptoms by altering the production of essential mood-impacting chemicals such as serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine.

The wrap

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be burdensome and significantly lower the quality of your life if it lasts for a lengthy period. If you think you might be suffering from SAD, the first thing to do is to consult a medical professional. Then you can start trying out different methods to reduce the symptoms. One excellent option, in this case, would be CBD. Choosing a quality CBD product is a crucial part of the whole experience. Primabee offers high-quality products that have been third-party tested, so it's a fantastic place to start.