Using Essential Oils to Treat Seasonal Depression Symptoms

Using Essential Oils to Treat Seasonal Depression

As the days get shorter and colder in the fall and winter months, many people start experiencing symptoms of seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Luckily, essential oils offer an all-natural way to help boost mood, increase energy, reduce anxiety and restore mental clarity when dealing with the blues.

What Causes Seasonal Depression?

Seasonal depression typically occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight. Research indicates that the lack of sunlight disrupts the body's internal circadian rhythm and leads to chemical changes in the brain, including lowered serotonin levels. This can negatively impact mood and lead to depression symptoms like:

• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and increased crying
• Lack of energy and increased fatigue
• Loss of interest in activities
• Changes in appetite and sleep habits
• Difficulty concentrating
• Withdrawing from social activities
• Increased anxiety or irritability

How Essential Oils Can Help

Essential oils derived from certain plants contain powerful chemical compounds that can help provide relief from seasonal depression. Using essential oils allows you to harness the mood-boosting and stress-reducing benefits of aromatherapy along with the physically and mentally restorative properties of the oils.

Best Essential Oils for Seasonal Depression

Some of the top essential oils for seasonal depression include:

Bergamot

Has a citrusy scent that is uplifting and stress-relieving. Bergamot oil can boost mood and reduce anxiety, sadness and fatigue.

Clary Sage

Has an earthy, floral aroma that provides a calming effect. Clary sage oil can combat depression and control stress levels.

Frankincense

Has a woody, spicy scent that is spiritually grounding. Frankincense oil reduces anxiety, irritability and feelings of isolation.

Lavender

Has a floral, herbaceous scent that promotes relaxation. Lavender oil alleviates depression, nervous tension and fatigue.

Orange

Has a bright, citrusy aroma that uplifts mood. Orange oil can increase energy, focus and motivation.

Rose

Has an elegant, floral aroma that encourages joy and inner peace. Rose oil dispels grief, anxiety and hopelessness.

Sandalwood

Has a rich, woody aroma that calms the mind. Sandalwood oil reduces stress, anxiety and mental fog.

Ylang Ylang

Has a sweet, floral scent that relieves anxiety and sadness. Ylang ylang oil boosts mood and mental wellbeing.

How to Use Essential Oils for Seasonal Depression

There are several effective methods for using essential oils to ease seasonal depression symptoms including:

Aromatherapy

Diffusing essential oils infuses any indoor environment with mood-enhancing aromas. Place a few drops of your chosen oil(s) into a diffuser and inhale the scent deeply. Try diffusing uplifting oils like orange and bergamot in main living areas.

Topical Application

Applying essential oils directly to the skin allows their active compounds to absorb into the bloodstream. Add a few drops of oil like clary sage or lavender to unscented lotion and massage into the wrists, temples, chest, feet or any tight muscles.

Inhalation

Inhaling essential oil molecules directly has a powerful therapeutic effect. Pour a few drops onto a tissue or cotton ball and breathe in deeply several times. Or add oils to an inhaler stick for on-the-go inhalation.

Baths

Add 5-10 drops of essential oil like sandalwood, ylang ylang or rose into a warm bath and soak to promote relaxation. The oils will infuse the water with their soothing properties.

Essential Oil Recipes for Seasonal Depression

You can blend two or more complementary essential oils together into recipes targeted to relieve specific seasonal depression symptoms. Here are some great essential oil recipes to try:

Mood Booster Body Oil

• 2 drops bergamot oil
• 2 drops frankincense oil
• 2 drops orange oil
• 1 oz carrier oil like jojoba, almond or coconut

Mix the essential oils with a carrier oil and apply daily to the wrists, temples and neck to instantly boost mood.

Anxiety Relief Rollerball

• 5 drops lavender oil
• 3 drops clary sage
• 3 drops sandalwood
• 10mL roller bottle
• Fractionated coconut oil

Add the essential oils to the roller bottle and fill the remaining space with coconut oil. Roll onto wrists whenever anxiety strikes.

Serenity Bath Blend

• 2 drops bergamot oil
• 2 drops ylang ylang oil
• 1 drop frankincense oil
• 1 drop sandalwood oil

Mix the essential oils together and add to a warm bath to promote deep relaxation and inner peace.

Sweet Dreams Pillow Mist

• 2 drops lavender oil
• 1 drop clary sage
• Water
• Spray bottle

Add essential oils and water to a spray bottle. Lightly spritz pillows before bedtime to aid sleep.

Lifestyle Changes to Complement Essential Oil Use

In addition to using essential oils, making certain lifestyle adjustments can further help combat seasonal depression during the fall and winter months:

Light Therapy

Daily exposure to artificial bright light compensates for the lack of sunlight in the darker months. Light therapy lamps and boxes can help reset your circadian rhythm.

Exercise

Physical activity naturally boosts serotonin and endorphins to elevate mood. Aim for 30 mins of exercise per day, even just going for a walk.

Stress Management

Managing stress through yoga, meditation, massage and other relaxing activities prevents feelings of anxiety and hopelessness.

Healthy Eating

Eating a nutritious, balanced diet fuels your body and mind. Limit processed foods and incorporate mood-boosting foods like salmon, nuts and leafy greens.

Social Connection

Make an effort to maintain social activities even when you dont feel like it. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family helps combat isolation.

Nature Exposure

Spending time outside hiking, snowshoeing, or just walking through the woods can instantly lift your spirits.

Precautions When Using Essential Oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause reactions in some individuals. Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Perform a patch test on your skin before widespread use to check for sensitivities.
• Avoid direct sunlight after applying oils topically as they can increase photosensitivity.
• Heavily dilute essential oils before using on children.
• Avoid essential oils during pregnancy unless under medical supervision.
• Never ingest essential oils unless following advice of a certified aromatherapist.

Signs of Irritation

Discontinue use of any essential oil that causes:

• Redness, burning or itching on the skin
• Headaches, dizziness or nausea
• Coughing or difficulty breathing
• Gastrointestinal distress

Using Aromatherapy to Beat the Winter Blues

Incorporating essential oils into your daily self-care routine provides an all-natural way to find relief from the symptoms of seasonal depression. Their powerful aromatic compounds can help relax the mind, calm anxiety, reduce fatigue, improve focus and restore joy when you need it most. Along with lifestyle adjustments like light therapy and exercise, essential oils offer a holistic approach to combating seasonal depression.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.