Written by
Thank you for reminding me of aromatherapy. I used to have this kit that I bought from a book store of all things...with different vials. I would put lavendar on my pillow at night. I love potpourri too and smelly candles.
I have an acute sense of smell so aromas really do have an effect on me. I am going to try this as a way to relax.
Great idea Teri. Thank you for writing this article!
Teri, we came across a study a few months ago that proves that citrus oils *do* aid with depression. As I recall the study, it used hospitalized patients, so the routine could be monitored and there were no problems with noncompliance. A blend of citrus oils was diffused in the air; there was a test group for comparison. Of the subjects being exposed to diffused citrus oils, almost all were able to cut their anti-depression meds WAY back.
Marge
Marge,
Thanks for commenting!
I remember reading about that study on your blog a couple of months ago. Actually, I want to share the link with our readers...
• Direct link to post about this study
I haven't been able to cut back on my antidepressant since I started using aromatherapy, BUT I almost never take anything for anxiety any more, and we didn't increase my antidepressant dosage as my doctor and I had discussed.
A lot of people call aromatherapy an "alternative" treatment, but I prefer the term "complementary." In the long run, it doesn't make much difference, but "alternative" kind of sounds like you can only use one or the other. IMO, "complementary" is more accurate because you don't have to choose; "regular" treatments and "complementary" treatments can often be used together.
Teri
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hi Teri!
Thanks for sharing your day and your tip. Those kind of days are no fun and can get the best of me for days after, if I let myself fall in. Last Friday I had a day like that. I was doing very well all week because of some new vitamins I started but I worked myself to the bone and then had serious burnout!
That lasted until Monday morning when my cousin called and began telling me about how aweful she had been doing. I didn't even want to talk to anyone at the time and was planning to stay quiet about me and just listen to her. A funny thing happened though, as I was listening to her disconcerted comments it hit me...she and I were like at a crossroads with our lives. Somehow through trying to help her out of her hole, I realized how alike we are in our struggles and I suddenly felt like pulling myself together. It's hard to explain what went through my mind that day really but I got it together, started taking my vitamins again and decided to try my luck at this thing called life.
Out of desperation to heal, I became relatively busy that day including searching for answers via the internet. I know that sounds crazy but then how else did I get here right? When you've had enough you've had enough and you start searching. I'm too young to see my life wash away. Well I guess that day was my lucky day, because that evening I came across the answer to a new career objective!
O.k. I am an impulsive person but I swear I swore off ever finding anything that could ever possibly bring me true joy and fulfillment. This time it feels right though, and I plan to follow through taking the right steps to achieve my success. I have been suddenly lifted and feel like life just may have finally found its purpose (not that I'm sure that having the right "Job" means "purpose"). However, I can't even sleep at night because I have already committed to this and am staying up late learning all I can about my new interest and am prepared to venture into it.
So that's how I have recently dealt with a "bad depression" day, or should I say a four month long episode that has finally exploded and released its hold on me!
Now I just have to hang on for the ride and try not to fall off the tracks!
One more thing...I know not everyone needs to go land a new career for their healing purposes but about those vitamins I mentioned--I get a lot of go power and a mental boost by taking an energy pack (from GNC). They help with weight too. This together with the new career potential really keeps me kicking even though I suffer from chronic pain. So that's my tidbit on fighting a bad depression day!
Thanks for reminding me of MY aromatherapy pot I still haven't unpacked since my move, but I know where it is and am going to get it out and use it. Take Care,
Cinderella
Hi, Cinderella!
You're very welcome.
I hear you. We simply can't let ourselves "fall in" on those days. If I do, I'd might as well just go to bed and stay there, and that's no good.
So many times, helping someone else helps us feel better. Helping others gives you a good feeling anyway, so it makes sense that it lifts us on bad days. Truly, if I'm feeling down at the end of a day of work, I stop and make some notes about who I was able to help here or on our Migraine site. It's good for helping us hold onto our self-worth. Know what I mean?
Good for you on the career decision. That's wonderful. Please keep us posted?
Unpack those oils!
Teri