Weed

Hey guys, im 20 and i have social anxiety, self esteem problems and depression. For about 9 months i was smoking weed everyday and it kind of seemed to cure my insecurities but now even the weed doesnt help. Now it feels like my insecurities double or triple after i smoke weed. I feel empty inside, i dont find anything or anyone intresting, i cant connect with anyone...and i dont know what my problem is. My friends arent affected badly by weed they seem happy while im crippled with depression.
What do you guys feel about weed? Does weed cause depression? Is it best to quit or just smoke once in a while?

Hello SamirBam: I cannot comment with regard to your concerns. However I noticed this is your first post here on PC. So... welcome to Psych Central. Here are links to 4 articles, from Psych Central's archives, on the subject of marijuana & mental health:

Heavy, Frequent Cannabis Use Linked to Mental Illness

New Research Raises Concerns About the Dangers of Marijuana Use

Marijuana And Mental Illness

Cannabis Linked to Earlier Onset of Psychosis

I hope you find PC to be of benefit.

Hello SamirBam. I am so sorry that you're struggling. You raised an important issue. Weed cannot "cure" insecurities. The antidote to insecurity is to strengthen and honor the Self. The weed was simply masking your insecurities for a while...in the same way some people feel braver ("Dutch courage") when they drink alcohol. Alcohol didn't change their persona or sense of self...it simply acted on their frontal lobes...temporarily diminishing their impulse control and inhibitions. Ask someone how they feel the next morning after a heavy night of drinking...not so good...alcohol is actually a depressant though legal. And we know a LOT more about alcohol's effects on our brains compared to weed. Weed just hasn't been researched as much as alcohol.

There is neurological research indicating that weed (like alcohol and other drugs) can have damaging effects on the brain. Particularly with extended and habitual use. Unfortunately, a lot of people think weed is harmless when this is not the case. Weed does have certain helpful uses for cancer patients and folks who are terminally ill. However, you don't not fall into those categories and it sounds like you were trying to use it to deal with anxiety and depression. I recommend discontinuing the weed and talking to your doctor for a referral to a therapist who specializes in anxiety and depression.

In the meantime, when you are feeling empty or anxious, try some guided meditation on YouTube. I do that myself. "Guided meditation for feeling empty" etc

There is hope here! You figured out what is not working for you. And you are young...a 20 year old brain can respond very well to a new approach. You may be interested to read about the 'plasticity' of the brain.

Please seriously consider ending your weed use and avoid alcohol or any other recreational substances. Remember that your brain has now been exposed to weed for quite a while so please give it time to catch up to a new period without weed. It can catch up but it takes time.

I wish you healing, peace, and a bright future. Breathe slowly and deeply and please seek some professional help.

If you have any trace of paranoia weed will double it. The best thing with social anxiety is counseling and group therapy to increase coping skills.

This is what I know and what I am able to see with my clients who are using weed.

I'm so sorry you're strugglins, SamirBam I agree with what all the others have already wisely said better than I ever could. You've been given some great advice in this thread. I'd suggest to try to follow it if you can. I wouldn't say weed causes Depression, but it can certainly have some negative effects on people. Its positive effects are usually only temporary and it's not really useful to fight our inner snake, which is much more powerful. Do you see a therapist? Maybe that could help. You could learn new ways to cope with your feelings. Hopefully he/she will be able to help you. He/she's there to help you after all. I'd also suggest to talk to a doctor about this and see how it goes from there. Maybe that could help. Perhaps you could try to take some meds. They can be really helpful to many people. I'd also suggest to talk to him about your use of weed and whether or not it can be used to make you feel better. I hope you'll be able to get the help you need and deserve. You don't deserve to suffer like this. You're a wonderful person. I'm sure you'll be able to get through all of this. You're strong, I'm sure of that! Remember that we're here for you if you need it. Feel free to PM me anytime. Let me know if I can do something to help you. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. I'm so sorry you have to deal with all of this

Red allert! Weed can cause amotivational syndrome. Dont go there, there are other ways to cure the emptiness you first felt needed to be cured!