CBD For Mood Swings

CBD For Mood Swings

Posted on February 16th, 2021

Mental health is important and, due to it being extremely fragile, something that’s easy to mess up and hard to recognize in yourself. Take the COVID-19 pandemic, for example. It took the world by storm; people had to change their typical day-to-day routines to adjust to it. Our sudden need to adapt to lockdown guidelines shocked a lot of people deeper than most realized. Anxiety, depression, and mood disorders went to all-time high levels as people saw their lives interrupted.

When people do not do have great mental health, much of what they do might not turn out great either. Worse, something as seemingly common as mood swings at the wrong time can seriously endanger a person’s safety. Thus, finding an effective treatment for these mood disorders is necessary. It is also challenging since healthcare centers might have their hands full these days.

Yet, there might still be hope in the form of CBD, a compound derived from the hemp plant. During the year 2010, a study’s findings hinted that CBD might be able to help people with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Also, in 2016, another study claimed that CBD might help better deal with the symptoms of PTSD-related stress.

Thus, CBD appears a promising compound when it comes to mood management. So much so that CBD for mood swings might become a thing your doctor tells you about in the not so far future. Let’s learn more about CBD and how it could help to deal with mood swings.

What Is CBD?

CBD gained a lot of popularity over the years, and it was not by chance. It represents an all-natural alternative with few adverse effects, such as the addiction many prescription drugs cause. Not a small reason to consider giving it a try if you are trying to manage some condition. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. There are more than a hundred other cannabinoids there, with CBD and THC being the most abundant by far. However, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is psychoactive; hence, it will get you high. CBD, on the other hand, will not.

The cannabis plant is not the only place where you will find cannabinoids; they are in your own body as well. Your body produces its own cannabinoids, called ‘endocannabinoids,’ released on-demand when it deems necessary. These endocannabinoids interact with the cannabinoid receptors of your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The thing about endocannabinoids is that your body can only produce so many of them. It is frighteningly common for the ECS to overwhelm, and when it does a whole lot of key bodily functions it regulates starts to crash. These include moderating pain, keeping inflammation low, and mood regulation. The good news is that phytocannabinoids, cannabinoids coming from plants, can supplement your ECS. Thus, taking CBD, a phytocannabinoid, might help your body get back into balance much easier than it would do on its own. People suffering from mood disorders might be grateful for that. In order to understand the relation between CBD and mood swings, we have to know about the latter first.

Mood Swings – What Are They?CBD For Mood Swings - this man could use some CBD

Neurochemical irregularities in particular brain areas are responsible for causing mood swings. The hippocampus, hypothalamus, and amygdala, which make up the limbic system, are the specific brain areas. This system is the place where regulation of mood-related conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety happens. Cannabinoid receptors are abundant in the limbic system, which is why CBD might very well be able to help regulate mood.

According to studies, neuronal tissue located in the amygdala and hippocampus are responsible for the release of monoamine neurotransmitters. The regulation of these through endocannabinoid ensures that your mood remains in balance.

Dopamine and serotonin’s neuromodulatory action mainly regulates changes in mood and day-to-day emotions. Any irregularities in either or both can cause unpredictable shifts in your cognitive behavior and emotional response.

What Causes Irregularities in Serotonin and Dopamine levels?

Several factors lead to irregularities in the serotonin and dopamine levels in the body. They include:

  • Bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.
  • Hormone irregularities lead to chemical imbalances in the brain and, thus, mood swings.
  • Stress.
  • Changes in sleep patterns.
  • Changes in diet.
  • Diseases such as epilepsy, autism, and ADHD.
  • Medications such as appetite suppressants, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety drugs.

CBD vs. Conventional Medications.

CBD may have a few advantages when compared to prescription medications. Yet, you should not use it as a replacement for those medications. Do not stop taking your regular medicine unless your doctor advises so. This is because the drastic effects of stopping medication can lead to might be life-altering or life-threatening.

The biggest advantage CBD may have when it comes to mood disorders is that it does not create addiction at all, unlike prescription medications.

Uses Of CBD For Mood Swings.

Since irregularities in serotonin and dopamine levels are the main cause of mood swings, can CBD actually manage it? While the research body behind that assertion is still short, studies are ongoing. However, several publications noted that the ECS has a massive role in regulating people’s moods and emotional states. Thus, it is key to maintain mental health and emotional balance, and CBD might help boost the process.

The Role Of CBD In Improving Your Mood.

CBD has numerous, potentially therapeutic effects that could help manage your mood swings naturally. These include:

It’s Neuroprotective.

CBD acts as a brain protector. Insufficient oxygen reaching the brain will result in the damage or death of brain cells. CBD’s neuroprotective capacity helps preserve the brain cells and stall the natural oxidative process that degenerates then.

It’s Anti-Inflammatory.

Neuroinflammation relates to mood disorders and neuropsychiatric issues. According to studies, CBD help decreases no only inflammation all over the body but also neuroinflammation, which particularly affects the brain and accelerates its decay. By helping you keep a healthy brain for longer, CBD helps improve your mood and cognitive functions.

It’s an Antidepressant.

CBD acts as a mild antidepressant by enhancing one’s mood and cognitive functions. It helps deal with anxiety, discomfort before public speaking, and cognitive impairment. Depression is usually due to low serotonin levels. Hence, even though CBD will not increase these levels directly, it will affect the brain’s chemical receptors’ response to the serotonin already in the body.

It’s Antipsychotic.

One of the reasons why CBD for mood swings might become quite popular is because of its antipsychotic effects. There is little research on the mechanisms behind its antipsychotic properties. The current theory points to the indirect modulation of dopaminergic transmission.

It Offers Pain Relief.

CBD may offer relief for chronic pain. On top of that, there’s also a link between chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. Thus, CBD packs a one-two punch, possibly helping you ease both chronic pain and the mood destabilizations it might cause you.

It Boosts Sleep.

Lack of sleep plays a crucial role in mood disorders. Most people with mood swings suffer from a lack of quality sleep. Insomnia can also lead to anxiety. However, CBD might be able to treat insomnia and help boost your sleep patterns. It does this by restoring REM sleep to normalcy, allowing you to more easily get a good night’s sleep.

As seen above, CBD has many therapeutic effects and offers great help when combating mood disorders. The unpleasant side effects of the over-the-counter medications such as brain fog and drowsiness are not there when dealing with CBD.

CBD For Mood Swings: How to Take It.CBD For Mood Swings - one drop of cbd a day keeps the shrink away

CBD is available in many different presentations. The CBD product you choose depends on your individual preferences, as each of them has its pros and cons. They include:

CBD Edibles

These include chocolate, candies, cookies, protein bars, and even snacks. These edibles come in different forms, and you can even get vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian varieties.

CBD Oils and Tinctures

These you can add to meals and beverages. For example, you can put them into your morning coffee or smoothie. You can also add a few drops to your favorite desserts.

CBD Vape Pens

Vaping is one of the quickest ways to ingest CBD and also one that has the quickest effect since it goes directly into the bloodstream through the lungs.

CBD Capsules

Capsules are easy to take when compared to the other methods. They also do not have a particular taste, and you can take discreetly when compared to tinctures.

CBD Side Effects

Although CBD is safe, note that everyone reacts differently to it. Most people tolerate it well, but some people will report side effects when taking it. Some of these side effects include diarrhea, dry mouth, drowsiness, and fatigue. This almost always happens when someone takes excessively large amounts of it.

Also, CBD is not compatible with some medications; hence it is always advised to talk to your doctor before taking it. Some medicines will diminish the benefits of CBD; thus, you will not see any difference. Therefore, contact your doctor to advise you of any adverse reactions that may come up.

CBD For Mood Swings – The Takeaway

CBD has become very popular very fast, but there is still much ongoing research to explore its full potential. Therefore, before taking any CBD product, talk to your doctor to know whether it will be safe for you. Also, make sure you buy from a high-quality manufacturer by checking online reviews for the product. Don’t let low-quality CBD ruin your mood!

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