Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a common mental health challenge that causes ongoing or extreme sadness, along with emotions you can’t always control. Fortunately, numerous depression treatments help improve your thoughts, behavior patterns, mood, emotions, and quality of life. 

In addition to treating depression, medical marijuana can also improve symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

What are the symptoms of depression?

The symptoms you might have because of depression include:

• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Severe or ongoing sadness
• Social withdrawal 
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Appetite changes
• Loss of sexual desire
• Difficulty sleeping 
• Mood swings
• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Thoughts of suicide
• Feeling emotionally numb
• Irritability
• Angry outbursts
• Physical aches and pains
• Substance misuse

If sadness or other symptoms of depression negatively affect your relationships, job, school, or overall quality of life, see the experts at Relief Clinic for an evaluation. 

What are the risk factors for depression?

Some of the common risk factors for developing depression or other mental health conditions include:

• Ongoing stress
• Anxiety
• Traumatic life events
• Family history of depression
• Hormone fluctuations
• Brain chemistry
• Severe illnesses or diseases
• Some medications
• Drug or alcohol misuse
• Unhealthy habits
• Financial difficulties
• Death in your family 
• Relationship struggles

The cause of depression isn’t always clear, but adopting healthy habits and seeking early treatment is the best way to avoid crippling symptoms associated with your condition. 

How does my provider diagnose depression?

A medical provider can diagnose depression after reviewing your medical history, symptoms, medication regimen, and lifestyle habits. They check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and may use blood tests or other diagnostic tests to detect or rule out additional medical issues.

How does medical marijuana help with depression?

Medical marijuana helps reduce depression by altering your mood and alleviating stress and anxiety. You might be able to avoid taking antidepressant medications by utilizing medical marijuana with the help of the Relief Clinic experts.

In addition to medical marijuana, you may also make lifestyle changes (diet changes, more exercise, better sleep, stress reduction, etc.), or undergo psychotherapy.

To learn more about medical marijuana’s effects on depression and find out if it’s right for you, call the Relief Clinic office or use the online booking tool today.