Have you ever noticed a drastic switch in your mood whenever the seasons change?

 

Almost like a light has been turned off, or you’ve made a complete pivotal turn in the direction you were moving.

 

Have you ever heard the saying, “you change with the seasons”? Well, your body and mind do exactly just that. Those who’ve experienced this type of drastic mood changes are sometimes diagnosed with a conditional disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder.

 

If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. An estimated 10 million Americans are affected by this recurring yearly disorder. Let’s take a closer look at the disorder.

What is seasonal affective disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder is a mood disorder, specifically a major depressive disorder. People who live with this disorder likely have normal mental health patterns throughout the year, except during certain seasons. Hence, the name of this disorder.

 

When do these mood disorders become apparent?

Studies have shown that SAD is prominent during the winter season. Some signs and symptoms that dominate a person’s mood and overall mental and physical health are:

• Oversleeping
• Difficulty waking up in the morning
• Less energy
• Decreased libido
• Overeating
• Nausea
• Withdrawal from social interaction
• Agitation
• Concentration
• Lack of decision making

 

Is winter the only season where SAD is active?

Unfortunately, no. Other less common seasons are the spring and summer time. Some of these symptoms included, but not limited to are:

• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Weight loss
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Decreased appetite

 

If you are looking for relief from Seasonal Affective Disorder, Cannabidiol (CBD) hemp oil may be able to help.

What is CBD Hemp Oil?

CBD hemp oil is a major compound found in the cannabis plant. There are currently over 113 active cannabinoids in each plant. This specific cannabinoid, CBD, is extracted from the seeds of industrial hemp plants. These plants contain high volumes of cannabidiol, which has potential natural therapeutic benefits.

 

How is CBD different from marijuana?

For one, it does not contain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is an active ingredient in marijuana. THC may cause adverse effects on its users such as anxiety and hallucinations due to the psychoactive elements produced by THC once it enters into your bloodstream. CBD is much different because instead of releasing dopamine like THC does, the CBD hemp oil instead immediately interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

 

What is an endocannabinoid system?

An endocannabinoid system is a structure in your body that is composed of several neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters work as a team to create its own cannabinoids – the natural way. If your endocannabinoid system does not function properly, many parts of your mental and physical health may deteriorate. The endocannabinoid system is especially crucial to the regulation of mood, pain, appetite, memory and more.

 

Is that why my mood alters frequently during seasonal changes?

Bingo. If your endocannabinoid system doesn’t work properly during these changes, perhaps due to change of environment, weather, light etc., then it is difficult to get right with your mood and other cognitive functions.

 

 

How does CBD Hemp Oil affect SAD?

A known cause to Seasonal Affective Disorder is a decrease in serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that affects a person’s mood.

 

Remember our last reference to neurotransmitters (What is CBD hemp oil section)? Well, the endocannabinoid system and your serotonin levels are directly correlated with one another. These neurotransmitters (serotonin) are signaled by your endocannabinoid system to produce cannabinoids that will benefit in the overall quality of your life. So, if you have a decrease in serotonin levels, then you have a decrease in natural cannabinoids. A decrease in natural cannabinoids means a mood-altered-you.

 

How can CBD hemp oil help SAD?

Consumption of CBD hemp oil may lessen symptoms like anxiety and insomnia – two common signs of summer and spring SAD.

 

CBD hemp oil also directly interacts with your endocannabinoid system, which sends messages to your neurotransmitters to produce more natural cannabinoids. No unnatural chemicals will enter your body whatsoever, and even the CBD hemp oil itself does not produce false messages to trick your brain like THC does. It only assists in the natural production your body facilitates in organic cannabinoids.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease