Depression plant-based, alternative treatments
In the UK, depression is the most frequently diagnosed mental health condition, and it's estimated that almost 1 in 5 will experience depression during their lifetime. Because of the widespread effects' depression can have on a person’s emotional wellbeing, often their general wellbeing and overall quality of life also suffer at the hands of this disorder. While conventional talking therapies and antidepressants work for many, in the UK, a growing percentage are exploring alternative treatment methods to help manage their depression symptoms, and, natural, plant-based treatments are one of these options.
Am I eligible?3 months
PHQ-9 questionnaire depression scores halved on average within 3 months of CBMP treatment shows the UK’s largest alternative treatment observational [survey].
50%
An examination of over 3000 responses shows patients with depression experience a 50% reduction in symptoms after administering their plant-derived [medicine].
10%
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, [10%] of UK adults reported experiencing depression during their lifetime, but by 2021 this had risen to 17% of adults in the UK.
86 million
NHS England issued prescriptions for 86 million antidepressant items to an estimated 8.6 million patients, between 2022 and 2023 according to the [NHSBHSA].
Symptoms
Changes in appetite
Continuous low mood or sadness
Disturbed sleep
Feeling irritable
Feeling tearful or hopeless
Having a lack of interest in things
Having low-self esteem
Lack of energy
Lack of motivation
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms. Please speak with your GP to find out more.
Treatment options:
When treating depression in the UK, the NHS typically recommend self-guided help, talking therapies or anti-depressants, or a combination of the two. There are a number of different types of anti-depressants conventionally prescribed by the NHS including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Amitriptyline
Citalopram
Duloxetine
Fluoxetine
Mirtazapine
Paroxetine
Sertraline
Find out if you may be eligible for cannabis-based depression treatments here
Am I eligible?Join our growing community of over 35,000 people
Whether you’re new to cannabis-based medicines, switching from another medical cannabis clinic, or self-medicating, we’ll put you back in control of your health.
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A word from our specialist
“There is now good real-world evidence that medical cannabis provides excellent mood-uplifting effects as well as reducing the crippling effects of anxiety. When prescribed in a controlled manner in a clinical setting such as here at Releaf, patients have a clinical touch point with a Consultant so that, should their mental health deteriorate whilst in receipt of a prescription, their condition may be expertly managed without undue delay.“
Dr David Tang
Clinic Director
Find out if you may be eligible for cannabis-based depression treatments here
Am I eligible?Are there alternative, natural treatments options for depression symptom management?
Patients who have a condition that may be suitable for natural, alterative treatment can have their eligibility assessed for these options by qualified healthcare professionals like those that work for Releaf.
If a patient has been unable to manage their symptoms, or has experienced unpleasant or unwanted side effects when using conventional treatments for depression, these natural alternatives may be considered an appropriate treatment option for them.
This is because natural, plant-based therapies can promote relaxation, which may help to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
It's also believed that certain natural chemicals contained within plants can interact with our bodies' natural production of serotonin, almost like conventional SSRIs, because of their interaction with 5-HT1A receptors. This can prove useful for patients with depression, because lower levels of serotonin are commonly associated with the disorder.
Natural therapeutics can also be applied to help treat or manage secondary symptoms of depression, like poor sleep and low appetite. However, because some of these natural compounds can have psychoactive properties, and the potential to be misused, it is important its clinical application is overseen and monitored by qualified, and experienced healthcare professionals like those that work for Releaf.
To find out more about if natural, plant-based treatments for depression may be suitable for you, fill out our free online eligibility checker today.