Seasonal depression, commonly known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a form of depression that reoccurs every year around the same time. According to statistics, 5 percent of the US population, which is equivalent to 500,000 Americans, are affected by seasonal depression. Most victims of seasonal depression are women in their twenties. Similar to other depressive disorders, seasonal depression can be weakening if not neurologically crippling. Based on a survey, the onset of SAD is commonly linked with fall, worsens in winter, and finishes in spring.

What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?

According to studies, SAD is associated with a biochemical imbalance in the brain triggered by a lack of sunlight in winter and shorter daylight hours. Furthermore, melatonin, which is the sleep-related hormone, may be affected since it is produced in large amounts during the night. Reduced sunlight triggers a drop in the level of serotonin, which affects your moods.

Some of the symptoms of seasonal depression include:

·         Feeling hopeless or guilty.

·         Decreased energy.

·         Sleep problems.

·         Weight and appetite fluctuations.

·         Depression or low mood.

·         Thoughts of suicide.

·         A lack of interest in activities you found enjoyable.

·         Anxiety.

Typical Treatments for Seasonal Depression

According to doctors, some of the conventional therapies for seasonal disorders include light therapy, medication, or counseling. Light therapy involves sitting in front of a special box for a particular amount of time each day. This is the most common and natural way of controlling brain chemicals linked with seasonal depression.

Counseling enables the patient to understand better mechanisms for coping with SAD. Moreover, for the best results, a combination of these treatments is essential. Lately, doctors have discovered a more natural way of treating seasonal affective disorder. This treatment includes the use of CBD oil.

What Is CBD, and How Is It Used?

CBD is a chemical compound found in the hemp plant. It is commonly referred to as cannabinoids. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce the “high” feeling, but instead, it has anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and soothing properties that make it essential when treating seasonal depression.

CBD oils are extracted from the cannabis plant, and it is also available in synthetic formulations. Most people prefer taking CBD as oil, but can also be found at Berkshire CBD CBD in the form of pills, sprays, CBD inhalers, and tinctures.

How Does CBD Help in Treating SAD?

Since CBD is an antidepressant,it therefore increases serotonin levels in your brain, which boosts your moods and other body functions. CBD is also known for reducing anxiety and stress, which are common symptoms of seasonal depression.

Apart from that, CBD increases the amount of sleep, which helps people suffering from insomnia. Having good sleep each night minimizes the risk of SAD and also helps your body to rest.

Conclusion

Doctors cite that the symptoms of SAD differ from those of “regular” depression since you experience them only when the season changes. Most people suffering from seasonal depression experience moodiness and decreased energy during the fall and the symptoms can persist throughout winter. Usually, the symptoms start mild and become more severe as the season advances.