Mental Health For A Happier 2017

I know that there are a lot of things I could be talking about during these colder months like allergies, colds and flus. But there is something way more serious. Another affliction that happens when the seasons change (and for many, even when they don’t.) It’s called Depression.

For many people, Depression is something that can last a day or a week. Sometimes even up to a year or more. Some people have Depression their entire life. Some people only have Depression when the days grow shorter and darker. I think Depression is an extremely important subject to talk about. As the darker days and nights are upon us, I have seen friends and family suffer with Depression due to lack of sunlight. I personally suffer with this affliction. I have seen holistic approaches work very well for many people with varied degrees of Depression, and I would like to share what I have learned in case you or someone you know and love is suffering.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (AADA), Depression affects more than 15 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. Persistent depressive disorder, or PDD, (formerly called dysthymia) is a form of depression that usually continues for at least two years. That’s about 3.3 million American adults. Overall, Depression affects 20% to 25% of the population to some degree in their lifetime. And twice as many women are affected due to hormonal changes at varying degrees and times in their life.

I will be the first to agree that all medications and modern medicine has a place. Where would we be without Penicillin, right? With that being said, I also agree that we are in an extremely addicted state in American society and that pharmaceutical abuse is at an all-time high. Medications for Depression are written by the thousands on a daily basis and children are being prescribed medication for Depression at an alarming rate. Because the causes of the Depression vary with the person, diagnosis and treatment can be very tricky. The person may be Depressed due to stress, hormones, diet, food or drug allergies, alcohol or drugs, lack of sunshine and genetics. Typically, medications are prescribed in a clinical setting to a patient based on his or her issues discussed during a session or maybe over several sessions. A great many times these medications help and the patients’ issues are resolved over a short amount of time. Many times people have side effects or the medication, for whatever reason doesn’t work for them. I would at no time ask you to not take the medications that have already been prescribed to you. I would also ask prior to you taking anything holistically that you take it to your medical doctor for their recommendation. Many essential oils can be used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals in great unison. I also will say to please do your homework and only choose very pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils.

Because it is a clinical fact that our brain also responds positively to aromas, the following essential oils also hold some great benefits in helping with stimulating the brain in a positive way. I hope that you will read further and explore with me what they have to offer. What the clinicians saw in their studies when using these essential oils was a reduction in blood pressures and pulse rates, positive changes in mood and reductions in stress and anxiety levels. This is one of many confirmed studies put out by scientific community: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21922934

Bergamot, Lavender, Rose, Roman Chamomile and Ylang Ylang are the top four essential oils that come to light in study after study. Bergamot has been known to reduce stress and anxiety https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21105176; Roman Chamomile has long been known to be a calming agent, that is why for years you can always find the calming blend of Chamomile tea on the shelves. Chamomile was used by the Romans soldiers to relieve anxiety. It has been said that just inhaling Chamomile as you walk through a garden, will make you feel happier. Ylang Ylang was found to decrease blood pressure in a study done in Thailand https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16807875. Rose and Lavender essential oils are equally amazing for their ability to help the Depressed mind. In a study of post-partum, high-risk women, aromatherapy using these oils helped tremendously in relieving stress and bringing their depressed state down:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22789792 I would suggest a blend of these 4 oils either diffused or in a roller ball to be used daily. For some with sensitive skin, a dilution of coconut oil or another carrier oil, so as not to have an adverse-effect would be suggested. And Always do a patch test first. Sounds simple right? Remember nothing is overnight. But your body deserves the best. Let me hear your thoughts!

For questions, consultations or more information about how to use or purchase essential oils, please contact Shelly Berkowitz, Reflexologist & Holistic Health Coach at (714) 514-3737. Shelly can also be reached via email at ahealthyresidual@yahoo.com and her website can be viewed at www.mydoterra.com/shellyberkowitz. You can also find her on Facebook at A Healthy Residual and on Twitter, Instagram and Periscope under ShellyBerkowitz.

FDA Disclaimer:  The information, advice, statements, and testimonials made about the essential oils, blends, and products mentioned on this web site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  The information on this site and the products listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease, nor are they intended to replace proper medical help. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any regimen with essential oils.  User submitted testimonials are based on individual results and do not constitute a guarantee that you will achieve the same results – what works for one may not work for another.