Next week, 13th-19th May, is Mental Health Awareness week in the UK, it's also mental health awareness month in the US. #mentalhealthawareness
Good nutrition plays a vital role in providing both our mind and body with nutrients to function optimally, but factors outside of our control can negatively impact our health. While it can be easier to spot a decline in physical health, it is much harder to identify a decline in mental health. Even if someone was concerned about their mental health, there is STILL a lot of stigma regarding speaking up about mental health - thoughts can include how one would be perceived and concerns about the implications of speaking up about their mental health can actually ADD anxiety causing worsening conditions or symptoms.
This is why its is SO important to raise awareness about mental health, providing information and education about mental health and why it is just as important as physical health #mentalhealthmatters
A lack of knowledge and/or understanding leads to social stigma where as a society we are viewing mental health illness as a sign of weakness or failure if someone speaks up about their mental health issues and concerns. Mental health problems are very common and its not difficult to see why with the stress and pressures of modern living, and lack of work/life balance etc. Approximately 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health illness in our lives with depression being the leading illness.
So how can we take more control of our own mental health??
As individuals we know ourselves best, we know how we are feeling on good days and bad days.
Using essential oils to naturally support mental and emotional health is not a new practice.
Have you ever wonder why certain smells can bring back strong memories or emotions from the past or remind you of your childhood within seconds?
It's because our sense of smell carries sensory information to the Limbic system in the brain. The Limbic system connects many of our brains structures and helps in:
- Controlling emotions such as anger and fear
- Regulating eating, hunger and thirst
- Responding to pain and pleasure
- Controlling the function of the autonomic nervous system, including pulse, blood pressure, breathing and arousal
- Sensing sexual satisfaction
- Controlling aggressive or violent behaviour
- Responding to sensory information, especially sense of smell
One of the parts within the Limbic system is the Hippocampus which helps with learning and memory. Functions of the Hippocampus include:
- Forming short-term and long-term memories through consolidating information
- Learning new skills from reward, punishment, reinforcement and failure
- Recognition of what is familiar vs. new
- Sense of direction and Navigation
- Spacial memory
- Involved in Olfaction (smelling) and bringing together smells with specific memories
When we use and smell essential oils, our sense of smell carries the sensory information from the essential oil and activates the Limbic system and Hippocampus impacting our mood, emotions and mental health. By actively and intuitively using essential oils we can naturally support emotions and mental health providing different supportive effects as needed.
During Mental Health Awareness week I will be sharing specific essential oils and blends that can help support the symptoms of emotional and mental health.
If you would like specific support and/or learn how to safely and effectively use essential oils to support your emotional and mental health, please get in touch with me directly.
DISCLAIMER: The content on this website is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider regarding a medical condition and/or stopping medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on my website.