How Essential Oils Can Help With Depression

Life isn't easy, and it has a habit of presenting us with challenging situations which can pile on a lot of stress. Now, we can deal with these problems head-on and stay positive (which is easier said than done), or our moods can deplete and leave us in some cases feeling lost and depressed.

Your mental health should be of utmost importance, and sometimes all it takes is for us to accept that some circumstances are out of our control, so why worry? Once we come to terms with this, we can focus on what's important, things that we can control, and that's YOU. Wake up each day with a clear head and focus on your personal development. Don't see this as being selfish; a healthy mind will ultimately have a positive effect on those around you. Here are some things I want you to all remember.

You are no better or worse than anyone else. Stop looking at others and comparing their achievements to your own, it's a waste of time and energy. We all have unique ambitions and dreams; you need to find what motivates you and chase it. Always do your best by giving 100% in all situations and live a life free of regret. The only recognition you need is from yourself, so work hard, stay focussed and realise your potential. Challenge yourself, push yourself and ultimately better yourself.

Coming back to the point I made earlier, don't worry yourself about things out of your control. A significant cause of anxiety is humans incessantly worrying about things that they simply can't change. We have no control over how people feel, whether Bill and Mary down the road like you, the weather and the list goes on, so don't waste your energy obsessing over it.

Comfort zones are there to let you know you; you need change. Life is short, so live! Do things that make you feel uncomfortable, embrace new experiences and customs. Don't be afraid to fail; learn from it instead. Keep moving in life, continually evolving and growing. We are all so much more resilient than we think, and we all have the potential to surprise ourselves with just how awesome we can be!

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders around the world, and together we can fight it. Chronic stress, emotional problems from the past, hormonal imbalances, alcohol, poor diet (causing nutritional deficiencies), lack of sun exposure, toxins in the body and food allergies are all contributing causes.

How Essential Oils Can Help

The chemicals in essential oils can interact with the body by being absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Or stimulating areas of the brain through inhalation. When specialised nerve cells in the upper part of the nose detect smells, they send an impulse to the brain along the olfactory nerve to an area called the olfactory bulb.

The olfactory bulb processes the impulse and delivers the information about the smell to other neighbouring areas of the brain. These other areas are known as the limbic system. The limbic system is a set of brain structures play an essential role in controlling behaviour, emotions, memory and mood.

Essential Oils to Combat Depression

Lavender

The most well-known oil on the list and for a good reason too. There are plenty of different variants to choose from, ranging from Lavender French to English. Research has proven that lavender can help combat depression and alleviate insomnia and anxiety. Lavender essential oil is notoriously known for its calming scent, which makes it an excellent tonic for anxiety issues. It can also help in treating migraines, headaches, depression, emotional stress and nervous tension.

Ylang Ylang

This incredibly sweet and floral aroma has incredible benefits and is known to help promote hormonal balance. Hormonal unbalances are known to cause mood swings, irritability and depression, so keeping them balanced is very important. Ylang Ylang oil can help curb the negative thoughts associated with depression. To top it off the oil is also a mild sedative which can help to lower overall stress levels and promote calmness.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit oil is proven to normalise neuroendocrine hormone levels as well as improve immune function. When used in aromatherapy, grapefruit can stimulate the senses and alleviate mental exhaustion. Its overpowering citrusy scent helps to elevate low moods and energise both body and mind.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood essential oil has a calming and soothing effect on the mind and body, making it an excellent mood stabiliser. This wonderful woody aroma is also a useful natural sedative. The scent of the oil triggers the release of serotonin in the brain, which converts to melatonin and encourages a better night's rest. Cedarwood is also excellent for attaining higher levels of concentration, so you'll be able to focus on what is essential in your day to day life.

Patchouli

Patchouli is a fantastic mood-lifting oil, and its delightful earthy aroma can help to decrease feelings of sadness and hopelessness and replace them with feelings of positivity and hope. Inhaling Patchouli encourages the release of serotonin and dopamine; the pleasure hormones in the brain, which can directly alleviate feelings of depression, anxiety and stress.

The Best Methods for Scent Inhalation

• Inhale the scent directly from the oil's bottle.

• Dab a few drops of the essential oil onto a cotton ball and inhale directly.

• Add several drops of the oil to a diffuser and inhale indirectly.

• Create an aromatherapy bath by adding several drops of essential oil to a carrier oil and then adding this to the bathtub.

• Enjoy an aromatherapy massage by adding a few drops of the essential oil to either Almond Sweet or Apricot Kernel carrier oil.

• You can even add a few drops to your shower, which is especially useful if using the citrus oils.

When we are free of depression, anxiety, excessive stress, and worry, we can live our lives to the fullest. Peace of mind is available to everyone. No two individuals are the same, so if you are feeling depressed and there are no apparent signs of improvement, please don't be afraid to go and see a Doctor. Mental health is just as important as physical health.