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“The fall blues,” is how Tamika Jeanty describes the seasonal mood swings she experienced in her late 20s. Every October, she felt withdrawn, anxious, and lethargic, coping in silence until she spoke with her sister, Dr. Naomi Jeanty-Higgins.
Dr. Jeanty-Higgins, a psychiatrist in Pembroke Pines, identified the cause as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a depression linked to reduced daylight that often peaks during the holidays, bringing stress and anxiety that can overshadow festive moments.
“I always kind of got myself ready when it was in October,” recalls Tamika. Seeking relief, Tamika tried recreational cannabis, which is legal in her state of California, but its tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) component worsened her symptoms and made her anxious.
Dr. Jeanty-Higgins suggested her sister try cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabis compound often used for anxiety, sleep, and pain.
While SAD isn’t a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in Florida, many patients find CBD helpful. For more information on qualifying conditions visit MMERI’s website: https://mmeri.famu.edu/educate.
“Some of my patients, they do find [CBD] helpful to help manage their anxiety or just as a calming effect,” says Dr. Jeanty-Higgins.
Tamika began using CBD oil in tea or water and noticed a significant improvement. “It really definitely helped me calm down,” she explains.
Dr. Jeanty-Higgins advises against using recreational marijuana for coping, citing risks of dependency and unknown product quality.
“I would avoid it at all costs because, number one, if that is your first resort to coping, then it can create a dependency,” she says.
Tamika emphasizes the importance of facing one’s emotional struggles. “My therapist told me, ‘Sometimes in our head, we think this monster is like Godzilla size and we're so scared of it. Then we open the closet and it's just like a little tiny lizard,” she says. “I promise you, face the monster… whatever it is that’s making you anxious and depressed. And just know that you're going to get through this, because I did. It's going to be OK.”
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