Did you know that 16.2 million Americans suffer from depression? That means that 5% of Americans are living with a sadness so crippling that they often cannot get out of bed, go to work, make a living, or take care of their children.
There is a significant difference between “feeling down” and depression; the latter is marked by its intensity and ability to interfere with day-to-day activities. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the go-to handbook for psychologists and psychiatrists now on its fifth iteration,says that if an individual is experiencing five ore more of the symptoms below for a two week period or longer, then that individual is diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder:
1. Depressed mood throughout the day.
2. Shows little interest or pleasure in most activities.
3. Major fluctuations in weight and appetite.
4. Mental and physical slowness that is apparent to others.
5. Serious fatigue and loss of energy.
6. Overwhelming feelings of worthlessness and/or guilt.
7. Diminished ability to think or concentrate, often marked by indecisiveness.
8. Recurring thoughts of death and suicide (whether specific methods are imagined or not).
Naturally, certain life events can trigger an onset of a depressive episode (e.g. death of a spouse). However, this “situational depression” is different from what is referred to as “clinical depression”.
While there have long existed a number of pharmaceuticals like SSRIs and SNRIs that relieve the symptoms of depression, a potent natural cure has yet to truly emerge (with the exception of meditation).
Fortunately, studies are emerging that posit cannabis as a potential cure / reliever of symptoms. Stay tuned to WoahStork learn for the latest research.
