It is okay to be depressed or anxious at times. But if it is occurring too much or too frequently, then maybe it is depression or anxiety. It is too bad that only one of every three people who need to be treated for it gets treated.
Fortunately, there are plenty of choices to get better. You can talk to a therapist, learn how to relax through deep breathing, or take medication. Two popular turn-to’s these days are antidepressants and CBD edibles (like gummies).
Let us begin and discover what they are, how they differ from each other, and which one could be right for you!
What Are Antidepressants?
Antidepressants are medications that make an individual less anxious and depressed. Antidepressants alter the brain chemistry of certain chemicals. Chemicals like serotonin affect our mood.
Antidepressants can work wonders with an individual if they work. You may feel good, cheerful, and peppy. However, they will not work for everybody, and occasionally, side effects become visible.
Common Side Effects of Antidepressants
- Weight Gain: Certain antidepressants may cause weight gain when taken regularly, which could be a reason for health issues such as diabetes.
- Drowsiness: All antidepressants carry the risk of causing sleep or drowsiness.
- Suicidal Thoughts: Particularly in young adults, antidepressants can, at times, produce sad or frightening thoughts when taken for the initial weeks. That is why physicians are very cautious while prescribing them.
- Sex Issues: Antidepressants may decrease your sex drive or cause other forms of sexual side effects. Others just change meds to avoid this.
It is best to stick close to an MD when a person is on antidepressants. The doctor can figure out the optimal dosage and adjust as necessary.
What Is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is a natural oil found in the marijuana plant. However, CBD would not make you stoned like THC, a different component of marijuana. It only has a number of relaxing and healing effects without changing how you act or feel.
CBD is available in numerous forms, but CBD edibles such as gummies are likely the most convenient and delicious way to consume it. CBD is consumed to feel less anxious, hurt less, sleep better, and feel good.
General Effects of CBD Edibles
- Long-Term Relief: CBD edibles can take a bit longer to kick in (30 minutes to 2 hours), but when they do, the effects may last up to 6-8 hours!
- Better Mood: CBD will make you have a good attitude towards yourself, mellow and comfortable, but not get “high” or stoned.
- Fewer Side Effects: CBD creates fewer problems than antidepressants. It is not addictive, has no sexual side effects, and will not make you all drowsy (you just may want to use common sense and not overdo it).
- Safety: CBD edibles are safe for the majority of individuals to consume. You simply need to talk to a doctor if you are on other medications.
How Antidepressants and CBD Edibles Are Different
| Feature | Antidepressants | CBD Edibles |
| How they work | Change brain chemicals (serotonin, dopamine) | Work with the body’s natural systems (like the endocannabinoid system) |
| Side effects | Weight gain, drowsiness, suicidal thoughts, and sexual issues | Few side effects, mostly mild (dry mouth, low blood pressure) |
| How long do they last | Need to be taken daily, effects build slowly | Edibles last longer after one dose |
| Addictive? | Not physically addictive, but dependency is possible | Not addictive |
| Doctor’s prescription needed? | Yes (in most cases) | No (but consult your doctor) |
Can CBD Replace Antidepressants?
We hardly ever see individuals questioning the question of whether or not they can replace antidepressants altogether with CBD edibles. Here is the reality: it really does depend on it.
If you are really depressed or anxious, you might still need antidepressants. Some individuals report that CBD enables them to reduce their symptoms without too much medication. Others take both (although only after they have gotten clearance from their doctor).
Scientists continue to research CBD. In a 2023 study, CBD lowered anxiety and depression symptoms in most people.
But remember: CBD is not a magic pill. Like any medication, it is more beneficial to some people than others.
How to Take CBD Edibles
If you are thinking about taking CBD edibles, remember the following:
- Start slow: Take a low dose (e.g., 5–10 mg) and see how you react.
- Shop smart: Buy CBD products from a good manufacturer. They should be third-party tested.
- Be patient: CBD edibles take a while to start working.
- Be careful: Check with your doctor, especially if you are on other medication or have another sickness.
Other remedies to overcome Anxiety and Depression
Other than medicine or CBD, there are plenty of other things that you can do to feel better:
- Therapy: Just talking to a therapist or counselor actually works.
- Exercise: Walking 30 minutes a day can improve your mood.
- Healthy Food: Eating fruits, vegetables, and protein can make your brain work more.
- Relaxation Skills: Practice slow breathing, meditation, or yoga.
- Sleep: Getting enough sleep really does help.
In some situations, needing to collect a lot of little changes may be more helpful than taking only a pill.
When Do You Need to Talk with a Doctor?
If you are feeling extremely sad, hopeless, or frightened most of the time, it is very important that you talk to a doctor.
- You need to be helped right away if:
- You can not stop worrying about hurting yourself
- You can not masturbate with activities that used to make you happy
- There are extreme changes in appetite or sleep
- You can not focus at school or work
You are not alone. Help is there for you, and you should get better.
Conclusion
Antidepressants and CBD edibles are used for depression and anxiety. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Antidepressants have been in existence for hundreds of years and function extremely well in extreme cases, but they also carry side effects. CBD edibles offer a lesser, natural remedy to some with fewer side effects.
Your smartest choice is your body, your mind, and your physician’s recommendation. What matters most is that you start to heal and be content. Do not let anxiety and depression come your way.