Can cannabis help with seasonal affective disorder?

The weather and tree foliage aren’t the only things that change this time of year. As the sun sets earlier and earlier, decreasing sunlight can affect people’s mood. This is often called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and can make the winter months unbearable for many people. Can cannabis help with seasonal affective disorder?

Luckily for those suffering from SAD, there are numerous remedies that can make this time of year more bearable. Exercise, vitamin supplements, etc even marijuana can have a huge impact on combating the disorder. While there are resources to correct the disorder, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the problem is paramount to overcoming the problem.

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Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder

One of the most important steps in combating SAD is correctly identifying the symptoms. These symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Fear
• Social withdrawal
• Drowsiness and tiredness
• Weight gain
• Suicidal thoughts
• And several Other

Anyone suffering from any of these symptoms should refrain from self-diagnosis and seek professional help. This professional help could lead to more resources to combat the disorder, such as prescribing an antidepressant.

How common is seasonal affective disorder?

In recent years, more and more people suffering from seasonal affective disorder have begun to speak openly about their problems. There are an estimated 10 million Americans currently on sale from SAD. Further research shows that women are four times more likely to be diagnosed with the condition than men. SAD also appears to be more common in people with depression pre-existing mental illnesses like bipolar disorder.

RELATED: 5 Signs You May Be Suffering From Seasonal Affective Disorder

The number of people around the world who suffer from seasonal affective disorder is slightly lower than in the United States. Only about 1-2% of the world population is said to suffer from seasonal affective disorder, while about 5% of the US population suffers from SAD.

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How to Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder

There are a number of tried and tested ways to offset some of the sadness that comes with the changing seasons. Cannabis, for example, contains cannabinoids that can have a positive effect on mood potentially increase Serotonin levels. When it comes to reducing anxiety levels, CBD comes into play. By working with our body’s endocannabinoid system, CBD has been considered effective significantly involved in increasing dopamine levels.

RELATED: 5 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues This Year

Aside from cannabis, there are a handful of other at-home methods that can help ease symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Spending more time with friends, family, and loved ones can be very effective in relieving some SAD symptoms. The same goes for trying to get plenty of sunlight and regular exercise.

Ultimately, seasonal affective disorder can set in as quickly and seamlessly as the fall leaves on the trees outside. Knowing you’re not alone and knowing the best ways to combat them can make the fall and winter months better than you ever imagined.