About 8% of the United States population was reported to have depression in 2020. Considering how many cases of depression go untreated, this number could be much higher, and the number of cases is seeming to increase every year.
Young people are experiencing depression at much higher rates nowadays. This could be due to many different factors, like social media and the pandemic. Many people feel lonely, now more than ever.
Chances are you know someone with depression. It could be a family member, a loved one, a friend, or an associate. Since so many people experience depression in today’s society, it is a good idea to familiarize ourselves with the signs and symptoms of depression to better assist ourselves and those around us.
Becoming educated on the subject could at worse, give you more knowledge and at best, save a life.
What Is Depression
Depression is an extremely common mental illness, and it can impact every aspect of someone’s life. Depression can affect how you feel, how you act, and how you think. This could impact a person’s career, love life, confidence, education, and more.
Many people diagnosed with depression report feelings of sadness, loneliness, and a loss of interest in daily activities. Over time, these feelings lead to physical issues as well and decrease a person’s ability to function overall.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of depression:
Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Everybody feels sad sometimes, especially in situations of grief. Being upset about an event or something happening in your life is completely normal; being sad is not the same as clinically diagnosed depression.
Symptoms must last at least two weeks and must somehow interfere with your level of functioning for a person to be diagnosed with clinical depression.
Depression and Marijuana
The simple answer to the question of whether marijuana can treat depression is: it depends.
It depends on who you ask. One person could tell you marijuana made their depressive symptoms much worse and another could tell you that cannabis is the only thing that has ever helped with their symptoms.
Some studies have been carried out regarding cannabis and depression, but not as many as we would like. Due to the fact that cannabis is still federally illegal, conducting research on it can be difficult.
A study conducted in 2021 concluded that people who used cannabis had lower depression rates than those who did not. Another follow-up study was carried out, and those who began using marijuana saw a significant reduction in both depressive and anxious symptoms.
Marijuana is known for helping with insomnia and other sleeping problems as well. Many people who have been diagnosed with depression experience sleeping trouble, so cannabis can help with that! To get the best sleep possible, try an indica strain.
Cannabis is also known to help people feel happier and more at peace, which can be very beneficial for those with clinical depression.
On the flip side, some people say marijuana makes their depression symptoms worse, so it really depends on who you ask. Everyone’s answer will be different, but there is no right or wrong answer!
Try Medical Marijuana Today
The only way to find out if cannabis can help your depressive symptoms is to try it and see for yourself. Depression is not a qualifying condition on its own in the state of West Virginia, but if you have a qualifying condition and depression, you can use marijuana to treat both!
In West Virginia, you must have a medical marijuana card to gain access to medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the state. If you don’t already have yours, we can help with that!
You can even get your medical marijuana card online from the comfort of your own home with West Virginia Marijuana Card!
To get your medical card online in West Virginia, simply schedule your medical marijuana evaluation appointment today and gain access to legal marijuana products available at dispensaries!
Being a West Virginia medical marijuana patient allows you the freedom to establish your own personalized treatment plan. We’re dedicated to helping patients every step of the way!
Feel free to give us a call at 877-303-8424 and we can answer your questions about getting a medical marijuana card in West Virginia.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
West Virginia Marijuana Card’s mission is to help everyone achieve
wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana.
Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for
our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at 877-303-8424, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out West Virginia Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information and follow us on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in West Virginia.
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