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With daylight savings time and winter on the horizon, those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), are bracing for the negative effects that often come with cold weather and a shortage of sunlight. Patients with a Missouri medical marijuana card may find cannabis to be a big help when it comes to treating this common condition.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder is the medical term for seasonal depression. This is a clinical depression and is more severe than the winter blues. Depressive symptoms typically begin in the fall and last into the winter months.
What causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Some of the causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder include a change in your circadian rhythm due to the decrease in sunlight during winter months. This can disrupt your body’s biological clock.
Reduced sunlight can also cause a drop in your body’s serotonin and melatonin levels. Serotonin is a brain chemical, or neurotransmitter, that affects mood. Reduced levels may lead to depression. Melatonin also plays a large role in sleep patterns and overall mood.
What are the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder?
According to The Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder include:
Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
A loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Low energy levels
Problems sleeping
Changes in your appetite or weight
Feeling sluggish or agitated
Difficulty concentrating
Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or guilt
Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
This condition can also cause:
Social withdrawal
School or work problems
Substance abuse
Other mental health disorders such as anxiety or eating disorders
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
How can medical marijuana help seasonal affective disorder?
There are several studies that suggest medical marijuana can help with depression. There is also a wealth of evidence that marijuana can help your overall wellbeing by promoting relaxation, helping you sleep better, and getting your body moving. With this knowledge, evidence suggests marijuana can be an effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
The cannabinoids contained in medical marijuana can have a positive impact on your mood, with THC potentially increasing serotonin levels, and CBD helping to boost dopamine, creating an antidepressant effect.
Another effect of cannabis is a reduction in pain. Combining this with the mood elevation that THC is known for, studies have shown that marijuana is a great tool to boost exercise - one of the greatest combatants of depression. Any level of physical movement - even going for a simple walk - increases the brain’s release of endocannabinoids, which are similar to THC, enhancing mood, increasing appetite, and lowering pain levels.
If you are one of the more than ten million Americans who suffer from seasonal depression, you deserve a natural way to combat your symptoms. Medical marijuana may very well be the key to making this holiday season merry and bright.
You deserve joy this season. Don’t let S.A.D get you down this winter!
Over 135,000 Missourians are getting the natural relief that cannabis provides. Our doctors are standing by to help you get that same relief by taking you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify for a Missouri medical card. Schedule an appointment with a marijuana specialist online by CLICKING HERE, or give us a call at (877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is helping 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.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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