Depression

Summary

In March 2006, the Washington Post ran an article from a $35 million dollar government-funded study on depression drugs with these facts: “Antidepressants fail to cure the symptoms of major depression in half of all patients with the disease even if they receive the best possible care” according to a definitive government study.

Depression is commonly used to describe the feelings of sadness, disappointment, helplessness, etc. that come with many of life’s experiences at times of loss or tragedy, personal or family difficulties, or unexpected changes in relationships, finances, or health. These may be feeling that last a few days or can extend into years for some folks. Everyone experiences these feelings at some time in life but beyond this there is a clinical definition of depression used by medical professionals. The term used most often is “clinical depression”. MayoClinic.com describes clinical depression in this way:

Clinical depression

Clinical depression symptoms may include:

Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day

Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities

Significant weight loss or gain

Sleeping too much or not being able to sleep nearly every day

Slowed thinking or movement that others can see

Fatigue or low energy nearly every day

Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt

Loss of concentration or indecisiveness

Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

To meet the criteria for clinical depression (called major depression in the DSM), you must have five or more of the above symptoms over a two-week period. At least one of the symptoms must be either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure. Keep in mind, some types of depression may not fit this strict definition.

Clinical depression causes noticeable disruptions in daily life, such as work, school or social activities. It can affect people of any age or sex, including children. It isn't the same as depression caused by a loss (such as the death of a loved one), substance abuse or a medical condition such as a thyroid disorder.

Depression and suicide

An important consideration with severe depression is suicide. The following material from HelpGuide.org can be of value:

Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. Thoughts of death or suicide are a serious symptom of depression, so take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously. It's not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide: it's a cry for help.

Warning signs of suicide include:

· Talking about killing or harming one’s self

· Expressing strong feelings of hopelessness or being trapped

· An unusual preoccupation with death or dying

· Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish (e.g. speeding through red lights)

· Calling or visiting people to say goodbye

· Getting affairs in order (giving away prized possessions, tying up loose ends)

· Saying things like “Everyone would be better off without me” or “I want out.”

· A sudden switch from being extremely depressed to acting calm and happy.

If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, express your concern and seek professional help immediately. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.

[search helps: major depression, major depressive disorder, MDD]

Oils, blends & products recommended:

Oils & Blends: Balance, Citrus Bliss, Elevation, lavender, melissa, peppermint, sandalwood, Serenity, ylang ylang

Essential oils based products: AromaTouch Technique, Life Long Vitality supplements

Also consider: basil, cinnamon, clove, cypress, frankincense, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, lemon, marjoram, melaleuca, rosemary, wild orange

Suggested protocols:

Depression seems to be an epidemic in today’s society. Essential oils can help. For mild depression lavender, sandalwood, and ylang ylang among others, are effective. Also the blends Balance, Elevation, and Serenity are very effective. A special blend using melissa is suggested by Dr. Hill:

• 2-3 drops wild orange

• 2-3 drops peppermint

• 2-3 drops melissa

Application: Diffusion is most effective, but topical application to the chest or body and foot massages or baths also offer good results. Use cup and inhale after applying topically or consider having an inhaler handy if you are on the go. Since there are a wide variety of oils that potentially can help experiment as necessary to find out what oils offer optimum results for each individual. Some point out that if help is required over a long period of time a single oil or blend can get “boring” or less effective. For best results rotate or change oils or blends periodically.

Safety Precautions: If severe states of depression persist, the help of a qualified licensed professional is recommended.

Experiences and Testimonials of others

A submission directly to EverythingEssential.me. Our thanks to:

Amy Meade
amykathryn35@yahoo.com

Amy - I have been suffering from depression and anxiety for many years, and have been on medication for it. I weaned myself off the medication and was doing ok for a while, but relapsed. I then learned about doTerra, and have been using the oils to help keep me out of a slump, and also to calm me when I'm anxious.

I apply the Elevation blend to my chest in the morning most days. If I'm feeling anxious I'll apply the Serenity blend to my wrists, and at night to help me sleep I apply the lavender to the bottoms of my feet (unless I'm using the OnGuard at the moment too, then I put the OnGuard on the bottoms of my feet and the lavender on my chest.)

I have had much more stable moods since. If I start to feel something in the middle of the day, I'll reapply, and I feel calmer within a few minutes. Otherwise I just do the morning & evening things. I'm amazed at how well the oils keep me balanced without any pharmaceuticals.

A submission directly to EverythingEssential.me. Our thanks to: Sherri

I just wanted to add to the depression area that at the 2010 doTerra Conference Dr. Hill recommended a blend of melissa, wild orange and peppermint as an excellent blend to help some with depression.

Submissions directly to EverythingEssential.me. Our thanks to:

Patti Brisco
krabbypatti1@gmail.com

Carrie - I have not been involved in with doTerra oils for very long, but my experiences have been mind blowing. I had been taking anti-depressants and ADD medications for over 25 years. Of course when you take those drugs then there will be others added so you can get to sleep at night, its a viscous cycle.

I have tried to get off of them for 25 years, with no hope..until someone told me about doTerra oils and my life changed forever. Within 1 week I was off all anti-depressants, and a few days later I realized I didn't need the ADD mediation. I'm still working on getting to sleep at night by myself, but I think that will come in time.

So I was telling My brother in-law this a few weeks ago on the phone and after I hung up he called me right back and asked if these oils would help Dad, who has been suffering from terrible pain in his hip and shoulder for some time now. I said yes, I was going to say something but I really didn't think he would try them... So I sent him some samples..so the following week David (by brother in-law) was visiting my father in-law again and he was in severe pain and David said "Dad didn't Patti send you some oils?" he said "yes, but they are not going to work!" Well how do you know if you don't try them..just go put them on what will it hurt... so he does that and comes back a few minutes later and David asked him how the pain was and he said...THERE IS NO PAIN... now he is singing the doTerra song!! These oils change peoples lives!

Brenda - I have some friends who have had a really rough year, the last thing they have gone through is the loss of their son. They are on severe antidepressants, with some suicidal thoughts. They called me and said they knew antidepressants are not healthy and there are side effects and they are habit forming and what would I recommend?

Teresa - Brenda, I am so sorry for their loss. It would be a tough year for anyone! I trust they know that you do not just stop anti-depressants; most need to be weaned off of slowly and they need to do that under their doctor’s supervision. That said, I would begin rotating through Balance, Serenity, and Elevation. They may find one works better than the other and in that case could just use it. The Aroma Touch Technique combined with these would be helpful as well. They could do the AromaTouch on one another, even if they just simply hop up on the bed so that they can each reach the other’s toes. Not only do the oils do their job, but often just that nurturing touch will help them re-connect with one another in the midst of this devastating loss

Cherie - I am fairly new to the whole essential oils thing, but I started it because I needed to do something about my depression. I started with wild orange and cinnamon, a really Christmassy blend, but I found it helped. Whenever I knew I was going into a stressful situation or one which would trigger my depression or anxiety, I wore it like perfume. I also used them together at least once a day. In addition, I found that Balance applied to my feet each night was helpful. In short, I was trying to listen to my body and my spirit to learn what would be the most effective. It's a tough thing, and the effects of the antidepressants can take a very long time to work through the body (speaking from my own experience.)

Joanna - I was going through a super hard time and the doctor put me on antidepressants. Which was tough for me because I am such a happy person usually. (Plus I have a million tools to help other people get better but wasn't able to do anything for myself and that was even more of a big bummer.) When I came across the oils I was a bit skeptical but hopeful at the same time. I watched the Mood Matrix webinar that Laura Jacobs did and saw I needed some Elevation.

I got some Elevation and when I had a really hard day I crawled into bed, I put some on my chest (heart chakra) and cupped my hands over my nose and mouth and just started inhaling the oils on my hands. Within about 5-10 minutes I felt better and happy again. They were that fast for me. They got me to a place where I was able to be happy again and for me that is really important for me, but also for my work in the world.

Pete - I like the idea of Elevation and the mood matrix oils that Joanna mentioned if depression is that severe. Also, Dr. Hill had a nice melissa blend he shared at convention and I think I remember him saying about 2-3 drops each of wild orange, peppermint and melissa. I mixed a blend up for a friend in a 4-1-1 ratio which makes it much more affordable, has a great aroma, and the melissa is still very recognizable.

Stephanie - Can anyone guide my on essential oils used to help with depression?

Energy4life - Bergamot is excellent for depression, as are geranium (good for so many things!), frankincense, ylang ylang, wild orange, and Elevation. There are probably many more as well, but these are my favorites.

Ramona - I think the first best thing for depression are the Life Long Wellness supplements. They are amazing! I was on Zoloft before finding them and the oils. But if I miss a day or two of my supplements, I can begin to feel that overwhelming darkness setting in. As for oils, I find they all have some properties that help me, but my favorites are Balance, Serenity and any of the citrus. I'll be honest, though, it changes daily for me. I usually just try to feel which oil I need for the moment and then apply it. I really think my body knows what it needs in the moment and learning and following that intuition has helped a ton. Oh, and one last thing, I do a lot of massaging them into my children (particularly my special needs son) and I always come away from that experience feeling uplifted and enriched.

Pat - My daughter got off all her depression meds with Balance. She swears by it and would not be without it. After she showers she put it on the bottom of her feet and the back of her neck. Then throughout the day as needed on the back of her neck. At first it was often, now only in the morning, and when needed.

John – Here is a little more information from Connie and Alan Higley that may be of interest to those with depression. Depression can be caused by a calcium deficiency, Stay away from carbonated soft drinks, specifically cola drinks, that are high in phosphorus, they leach calcium from the body. Eating heavy protein at night does not give the body enough time to digest the food before going to sleep. The undigested food then ferments which robs the system of needed oxygen and heightens the sense of depression.

Alisse - I too have had a lot of success with Balance, I use it at night on my feet. I like Whisper on the back of my neck in the morning. My favorite "pick me up" during the day when I feel that anxiety/panic coming is to cup and inhale a drop each of frankincense and wild orange then I rub my hands behind my ears and again on the back of my neck. I attended Dr. Hill's class two weeks ago and he mentioned bergamot, Roman chamomile, and frankincense. I made a roller bottle with those 3 that was very handy.

Monty - For what it is worth, I suffered from serious depression, and inner anger, that I kept suppressed. There was scarcely a day that I did not contemplate suicide. After I had been on the Life Long Wellness supplements for 2 months the depression and the anger was gone. And it is staying gone. Those things are usually caused by some chemical imbalance in the system, And with the Wellness pack my body was getting what it needed. How wonderful it is to be happy, want to live and not be angry anymore.

Teresa - I have been dealing with major depression for nearly 6 years now. I have been on several different medications, changing far to often because the side effects are so debilitating. One of the side effects of SSRI/SNRI medications. (I was on Effexor XR), was that my "guilt" pretty much left but I sometimes felt a numbness or "nothing", except that I would feel guilty about not feeling guilty.

As you can imagine, it was very difficult and confusing to my good husband and children. My normal feelings of empathy, caring, and sometimes friendship had been replaced by apathy.

Anyway, as I started using the Life Long Wellness trio, I noticed that some of these voids of feelings would sometimes come back. In fact once, I caught myself crying. Just crying over stuff that I have not cried about for years. It wasn't a bad cry; it was actually a good release. (wow, how long since I had something like that!)

It took me a while to realize that this might have been the Life Long Wellness trio I was reacting to. It was the only thing different. So I gradually started cutting my medications dosage. And after 2 months I am not taking any medications.

I AM FINE!! I don't know what has happened, but my emotions, feelings of guilt, love, empathy - all those things that have been numb, are back. And the feelings of depression are gone. Simply gone. I sleep better, I act kinder, I eat better. My family is elated over my changes. And I can't thank God and doTerra enough. I know my family has been praying for me and wanting me "back to normal". God has answered their prayers through doTerra!

I am so dedicated now to the oils, the supplements, to sharing what they can do for you with others. To warning people of the dangers of depression medications. Yes they can take that ominous feeling away that is the blackness to depression sufferers. But the side effects are nearly worse, and can destroy a family.

I love lavender, peppermint, frankincense and Elevation.

I should clarify, I had been on the supplements probably 4 months or more before I noticed the change and had my "Good Cry" (kind of a changing point for me) Then I continued an extra 2 months while cutting down on my medications. I also used lavender, peppermint, frankincense, lemon and Elevation daily. Using cup and inhale often applying them to my feet. I'm sure the oils helped as well. Also, I don't mean to underestimate the prayers, fasting and unconditional love of my family.

Marti – Any help on how to get people off depression medications? I know the Wellness Supplements have helped some people but I would like to know more.

Pat – A close friend I know got off her medication with Balance. She uses it every morning and loves what it has done for her. I have another friend who did not get much relief from Balance but loves vetiver. Lavender is also very calming, My experience suggests it is a very personal choice.

Jennie - You can try the grapefruit also. It has worked well for a few people I know,

Nicole – A person I know was on the highest doses of medication for depression and anxiety, she even had to be hospitalized. The medicine wasn't helping as much as she hoped; she found out about doTerra; started using the oils and no longer is on ANY medication. (note: she did this very gradually).

She uses a variety of oils and blends in various ways. She told me the most effective way for her is through diffusion. She diffuses Elevation (her favorite), lemon, grapefruit, wild orange, or Citrus Bliss throughout the day. For variety she picks a new oil each day. She also applies them topically.

For most both body massage and foot massage, or baths with the oils offer good results. One can rub 1-2 drops under nose, on the back of neck, on the chest, the wrists, or anywhere you can smell it throughout the day. You can also rub 1-2 drops on the bottom of the feet.

In her case she has a lot of anxiety that comes with her depression. The oils help with that as well. Plus, with the anxiety comes nausea, so she applies peppermint behind her ears, and drinks water with a drop of peppermint in it throughout the day. She told me that the peppermint really seems to help her with endurance throughout the day as well. She also has insomnia that comes along with it. For this she uses Serenity and lavender at nights to help her sleep better.

Jan - I have an acquaintance who got off depression medications after having been on them for 12 years. Her mainstay was frankincense. She wore a clay diffuser necklace with frankincense day and night (except for showers). She also improved her diet, had regular massage, and did some excellent personal growth work. Bottom line - she decided to do what she needed to do to be healthy, including educating herself about the subject and asking for support from friends and professionals.

Submissions directly to EverythingEssential.me. Our thanks to:

Dani Garn
djandt22@yahoo.com

Dani - I have had many experiences with doTERRA essential oils in the last few months and I would like to share them with others.

I have used a variety of blends and oils (Serenity, Balance, frankincense, Elevation, lavender, peppermint, etc.) when a friend/family member or I was down or stressed. THEY REALLY HELP! My mom was immediately relieved the morning of her wedding after a hectic week and a chaotic morning (The wedding went great, and she was in a wonderful mood, thanks to DoTERRA)! I have pulled myself out of stressful situations and bad moods many times! They just make you feel better, even the stinky ones. I smell them and apply them however it feels right at that time, my neck, my head, my feet, etc.

Rachel - I was just diagnosed as clinically depressed by my doctor, who would like to put me on major meds to control the depression. They were shocked to see how well I cope on a day-to-day basis. I told my doctor that I am using essential oils (Elevation and Whisper) to help me through my days.

I am seeing a counselor to try and get through this. I would like to see if there is anything else I can use as far as the oils to help me calm down, relax and take a deep breath so I can focus on the issue at hand. I am dealing with major anxiety, I don't sleep because all of the stuff I have going on consumes my head, I am depressed, I overeat because I think that is going to make me feel better (it usually doesn't), I have a constant knot in my stomach everyday, and I have PMDD.

What are some suggestions you would give me for other oils to try. I am only using the Whisper and Elevation once a day. Should I be using them more?

Ramona - Rachel, I have been and still do battle anxiety and depression-as well as overeating, at times, to compensate. When I first found DoTerra, I was actually on medication and was able to go off of it within 2 weeks of starting with the oils. One thing that helped me a lot were the LLV supplements. I can't say enough of how much they helped! If you find those oils helping, I would use them more, like lots. I would diffuse them; I would rub them on your pulse points at least 4-5 times a day. If the anxiety starts up, I would put a few drops of Serenity in your palm and just take deep breaths of it in and relax. I find that using Serenity at bed time and also Past Tense has done wonders for me, they help me sleep better. I have also cut out soda and even any candy because I think the caffeine and sugar was contributing to my anxiety. Another thing I have found helpful, not oil related, but found through counseling was to use mindful thinking techniques.

Sharon - The Slim & Sassy Trimshakes really seem to work well for an even mood and balancing blood sugar as well as the Slim & Sassy blend of course. I highly recommend tapping or EFT. You may even want to get yourself a local practitioner to work with. Definitely better than medication. Exercise is good too for boosting the brain chemistry. A fast walk out in nature if possible, swimming, I like hooping which can be done indoors year round, rebounding, etc. There's lot's of possibilities and it doesn't need to take much time. Just a few minutes at a time can really help.

Diane - I battled clinical depression and bouts of suicidal depression for years, and have been on the medications. I took myself off of them when I read that they can cause chronic depression and suicide. I found that meditation, counseling with a spiritual mentor, and long trail walks helped me a lot. As far as oils, have you tried lemon, wild orange, or Citrus Bliss? I agree with the Serenity and also Ramona's suggestion of Past Tense. Balance might help as well.

Dietary changes such as eliminating sugar and caffeine as she suggested are also good ideas. Spring is coming everywhere in the US, so take advantage of the warmer weather and get outdoors. Gardening was a great boon as well, and still helps if I'm depressed or upset about something.

The other thing that helped me was learning to look around and count my blessings. Living an "attitude of gratitude" helps too. Remember, your mind has a very powerful ability to heal you.

Kelli - My story is very similar to Ramona's. When I first found doTerra I was on so many depression and anxiety meds! Trazadone, Lexapro, Xanax ... All really high doses too. I had a lot of family stuff going on unfortunately. I started taking the vitamins and using Balance. Lots and lots of Balance! I literally get the same effect from using Balance as I did when I would take a Xanax. Everything relaxes and I can calm down. I get the most benefit from it when I rub in into my feet. I was off all my meds within 2 weeks. I feel amazing! Better than when I was on the meds definitely! I give the most credit to the LLV supplements. I cannot give enough praise to those vitamins! I can tell when I've even missed a couple days of taking the vitamins because I will feel lousy. Like Ramona, the Past Tense and the Serenity are my best friends at night. I sleep great!

Rebecca - Depression can develop from multiple situations. Physically when the body gets too overwhelmed with too much stuff, physical issues arise. Malabsorption of nutrients or poor diet can be corrected with LLV. Foods that help with depression include spinach, red peppers, onions, citrus fruits, lots of good water (not city) and wheat if you're not gluten sensitive. Eat these foods every day, as much as possible. Heavy metals can be at fault, helichrysum is the best oil. Foot baths pull metals or do a foot soak with sea salt or epsom salts and oil in warm water, soak till water cools. Cilantro I believe pulls metals which would translate to coriander in oils. Detoxify in anyway you have available such as infrared sauna, sea salt bath with oils, lemon in your water, avoiding chemicals and using organic foods, cleaning products and personal care items etc. find ways that calm you, yoga, running, listening to music etc I have seen in several I have worked with that there is a relationship between their body having lots of pathogens in it and depression or a feeling and behaviors of irrationality. Any of the oils for antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, or antiparasitic eliminates that. Rotating through other emotional oils you may find others that work better or know that the ones you use are good for you. That can change as things correct in your body. Using more than once a day is fine. Diffusing is a nice way of getting them while you sleep and heal. Suggestions include: lemon, frankincense, lavender, bergamot, Elevation, Balance, Citrus Bliss and on and on. Think positive thoughts about yourself.

Maree - Me too, me too! I totally agree about the LLV supplements and the impact that it had on me and my body and the depression. It gave my body the basis that I needed. I was on this for a few months before I really started to inquire on which oils my body needed. I agree with the use of Balance, lather it on at all times in the beginning. Citrus bliss and Elevation were huge for me and my body also. I also did wild orange and frankincense every morning and I was rubbing grapefruit and Slim & Sassy on my thighs and hips. I think that helped elevate my morning moods (hardest time for me). Try any of the ones that you think would appeal to you. Use them as much as you feel that you need to use them. You know! You have the power to heal your body just believe!

My sister loves vetiver and lime and also patchouli... different bodies are different but the same results can be achieved. No more medications for me either, all natural for over a year and a half now and that is huge for me if I started listing all that I was on. Give your body the time that it needs to realize it does not need the medications and be advised by your doctor if they support you going off, find a new one if they don't. Just my thoughts.

Protocols folks recommend for children

Diet and Nutritional complements to essential oils

The following information from Connie and Alan Higley was submitted by John.

Helpful dietary information that may be of interest to those with depression.

Depression can be caused by a calcium deficiency, Stay away from carbonated soft drinks, specifically cola drinks, that are high in phosphorus, they leach calcium from the body. Eating heavy protein at night does not give the body enough time to digest the food before going to sleep. The undigested food then ferments which robs the system of needed oxygen and heightens the sense of depression.

What Science & Research are saying

The following was submitted by Loryjean on the 23 July 2009

Taking Time to Smell Roses Really CAN Ease Stress

If you're feeling stressed, try savoring the scent of lemon, mango, lavender, or other fragrant plants.

Scientists in Japan are reporting the first scientific evidence that inhaling certain fragrances alters gene activity and blood chemistry in ways that can reduce stress levels. Their study appears in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a bi-weekly publication. p>

Akio Nakamura and colleagues note that people have inhaled the scent of certain plants since ancient times to help reduce stress, fight inflammation and depression, and induce sleep. Aromatherapy, the use of fragrant plant oils to improve mood and health, has become a popular form of alternative medicine.

And linalool is one of the most widely used substances to ease emotional stress. Until now, however, linalool's exact effects on the body have been a deep mystery.

The scientists exposed lab rats to stressful conditions while inhaling and not inhaling linalool. Linalool returned stress-elevated levels of neutrophils and lymphocytes — key parts of the immune system — to near-normal levels. Inhaling linalool also reduced the activity of more than 100 genes that go into overdrive in stressful situations. The findings could form the basis of new blood tests for identifying fragrances that can soothe stress, the researchers said.

Effects of fragrance inhalation on sympathetic activity in normal adults.

Japanese journal of pharmacology, November, 2002; Haze S, Sakai K, Gozu Y.

Abstract

We investigated the effects of fragrance inhalation on sympathetic activity in normal adult subjects using both power spectral analysis of blood pressure fluctuations and measurement of plasma catecholamine levels. Fragrance inhalation of essential oils, such as pepper oil, estragon oil, fennel oil or grapefruit oil, resulted in 1.5- to 2.5-fold increase in relative sympathetic activity, representing low frequency amplitude of systolic blood pressure (SBP-LF amplitude), compared with inhalation of an odorless solvent, triethyl citrate (P<0.05, each). In contrast, fragrance inhalation of rose oil or patchouli oil caused a 40% decrease in relative sympathetic activity (P<0.01, each). Fragrance inhalation of pepper oil induced a 1.7-fold increase in plasma adrenaline concentration compared with the resting state (P = 0.06), while fragrance inhalation of rose oil caused a 30% decrease in adrenaline concentration (P<0.01). Our results indicate that fragrance inhalation of essential oils may modulate sympathetic activity in normal adults.