[User1994]

I recently went to a psychiatrist (who I am not going to see again) who insisted to me that marijuana was the biggest cause of my atypical depression. To give some background, I was using marijuana (a mix of edibles and smoking) for about a year, every day, particularly at night for insomnia. It's difficult for me to pinpoint when my depression initially started, as I've had many symptoms for years, but they probably got to the point of needing medication prior to me starting marijuana. I can't really say if marijuana made it worse because there are so many confounding factors, such as the fact that I started college shortly after starting marijuana, and numerous other changes happened in my life. I am currently on Wellbutrin and haven't used any marijuana since I started (and I am experiencing pretty bad psychological withdrawal). I'm also aware that I may have been using marijuana to self-medicate my depression. I know there's no consensus on the link between depression and marijuana, but does anyone have any insights into this?

[paynful]

I have had experiences with Wellbutrin and Marijuana... seperately and together. They have been... extreme experiences. I want to be honest, but I don't want to advocate, because I do believe that every individual has unique needs, experiences, and body chemistry.

Keeping that in mind, I should start off by saying that I don't have typical reactions to medication. I am very sensitive to chemical changes in my body.

I started on anti-depressants at age 15. At that age, I had several variations of depression diagnosed, including: clinical, severe, seasonal, etc. My symptoms included: apathey, uncontrollable crying, insomnia, extreme fatigue, lack of appetite, etc.

I tried several different kinds and dosages before it was dertermined that Wellbutrin would suit me. I was on this medication for 8 years never realizing that it amplified my depression into suicidal ideation. I just thought it was me. End of.

By the time I was 22 years old, I was also taking medication to mitigate all of the side effects (migraines 4-6 days/wk, excessive vomitting and nausea, anxiety, insomnia, and eventually, I had seizures). It cannot be proven that all of this was directly linked to Wellbutrin.... yeah, right.

I occassionly smoked Marijuana while I was on Wellbutrin, but it was sparatic and "recreational." It never appealed, because all I got out of it was cold, tired and hungry.

A traumatic incident led to me to want to get off of all meds. It took almost 2 years of weaning myself of all medication. I was encouraged by my family to try smoking. IT CHANGED MY WORLD.

While smoking... I could eat, sleep, and smile. I could stop panic attacks and curb crying jags. I could function. I felt like a real human being for the first time in a decade. Unfortunately, it's rough on the lungs and not exactly legal in my state. I do not like going out in public after partaking, but that is a personal preference (I was embarassed about the smell and squinty eyes), not an actual restriction.

I have been without Marijuana (at the peak of my SAD cycle) for about a month now. It has NOT been easy. But I have survived so far with the support of my family and PC.

I could, in good conscience, recommend Marijuana to treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, stimulating appetite, and to treat panic attacks. Based upon my personal experiences, I would NOT recommend Wellburtin.

I don't know if you found this helpful, but I wouldn't go back to your T either... at least, not without doing some further research to shove in his/her face.

[Nammu]

Wish it was legal in my state as I've had horrible side effects with meds. However I don't want to smoke it and as far as I know the only safe place to get edibles is at a legal store.

[Hellion]

I find it to be helpful with depression it helps my mood(temporarily but that can still be helpful for getting through a day)...my therapists and psychiatrist just say i shouldn't overdo it but they don't think its a factor in my depression or other conditions.

I have read studies indicating cannabis can be helpful for depression, it good they are studying that...I know some people scoff at the idea that marijuana could be medicinal let alone that it can treat so many various ailments but the more research that comes out the more that seems to be the reality of this plant.

But that is just my opinion I don't advocate using it or not using it...that is a personal choice. I also recognize that it can effect some people negatively.

But yeah If your depression symptoms were bad before the marijuana use...I am suprised the psychiatrist would come to the conclusion that its the main cause of your depression...not to mention being a psychiatrist he should know there is no single 'cause' anyways there are multiple factors that cause mental illness. But yeah there is a correlation between depression and cannabis use...and its theorized that it has to do with self medicating though some people read the correleation as 'marijuana causes depression' which the correlation does not really imply.

[Altered Moment]

My experience may be very different then yours. I am a recovering alcoholic and addict who has had major depression my whole life. I self medicated with pot and alcohol for years. In a certain sense they worked as I was able to function until which time I was no longer able to function. The drugs and alcohol were way out of hand and quit working.

When I was about 15 years sober and nothing was working for my depression I decided to try pot. I was desperate. I concluded it did not work for me. It depends on the strain too. Some strains would make me really tired and lose motivation which was not what I was looking for. Other strains would make me motivated but also paranoid. I quit using it. I have anxiety but not severe and not panick attacks. I can see where it would help with sleep and with anxiety. When I am severely depressed I have no desire to smoke and if I forced myself to it only made it worse.

[Altered Moment]

There is also a difference between canabanoids and thc. canabis oil might be very helpful for many things but not thc. alot of people think that is the case.

[Hellion]

Well THC is a cannabanoid....and it certainly is useful, but there are lots of other cannabanoids. Like CBD which has a lot of relaxation properties and can help with epilepsy and some studies even indicate it could be used as an 'anti-psychotic' its also obviously useful for physical pain.

I use it for anxiety, but I bake with it. Baking also helps my anxiety. The smell of stuff baking helps my anxiety......
It just works.

I can't speak to it as far as depression goes....

[healingme4me]

Your body can become physically 'dependent', as with anything. Ever tracked your moods, honestly assessed your moods, with use, then the days after use?

As with any 'med', that has a label do not operate heavy equipment and machinery, i wonder....

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