This month guest blogger Polly Delany is sharing her incredible story of how essential oils have helped her turn her life around!
Posted by doTERRA Wellness Advocate Polly Delany
I am honoured to be sharing my story with you all here. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety when I was 17-18, although we think it began before I reached puberty. I am now 37, and for nearly 20 years my depression and anxiety was treated with antidepressant medications. I have had periods every few years where I tried to come off them, either because the side effects were too much to deal with; they lost their efficacy, and I was on the highest dose; or I felt well enough to manage on my own. These periods without medication lasted a maximum of six months, with the average being much closer to six weeks.
Well, I am thrilled to announce that I have not needed any of my antidepressant medication since the 20th November 2014, which is (at the date of writing) 16 weeks! As I was on three different kinds, all at the maximum dose, when I started this journey, it has taken a while.
I now use dōTERRA Essential Oils and the supplements, along with some other techniques which I find work synergistically. Before I go any further, I do need to stress that you need to work with your medical team, particularly if you have been taking medication for a while. My team didn’t think that it would make much of a difference, but assisted me to reduce the dose safely, with the understanding that if I felt worse we would increase them again. DoTERRA essential oils have been a major part of my healing journey and I use them every day in all aspects of my life.
Here are my top 10 suggestions for creating happiness and vitality, including some helpful tips on using essential oils:
1. Good Nutrition
Good nutrition is key and if you live in Perth then
Vanessa Jean from Food Alchemy runs regular workshops on creating nutritious and delicious wholefoods and rawfoods. Also, thanks to Tanya’s e-book
Raw Chocolate Treats , I can make treats that taste like heaven on a popstick, and are still very good for you. The only problem is making sure there is enough left for me once my children realise there is a new batch!
2. Hydration
I try to drink at least 2L of water a day. Keeping hydrated is critical. Dehydration can lead to irritability, anxiousness and lethargy as well as numerous other health issues.
3. Diffusing Essential Oils
I have an ultrasonic diffusing in most rooms in my home and also my car. The oils I use depend on my mood, but generally I use citrus oils to uplift my mood. I also find Ylang Ylang can help with anger, and frankincense is calming and provides emotional support.
4. Aromatic Dressing
In the morning, I aromatically dress. This is a fancy way of saying I cover myself in essential oils after I get out of the shower. The oils I choose depends on the needs of the day, which can be energy, mental clarity, less stress, or some self-love.
5. Quality Sleep
For proper mental health, you need to be getting a decent 7-9 hours sleep every night. I have a bedtime routine which includes applying essential oils to my feet, usually vetiver and cedarwood, and misting my face and pillow with a spray made from 25mls of water, a pinch of Epsom salts (to emulsify the water and essential oils), and 3 drops each of white fir, cedarwood and lavender. Quite often I will have a diffuser running overnight too.
6. Good Supplementation
I also take the
doTERRAs Vitality Supplements, which are bioavailable, and amazing! I realise very quickly when I forget to take them as my lethargy takes over, and my mood plummets.
7. Exercise
I am increasing the amount of exercise I do for two reasons. The first is it is much easier to like yourself when you are a healthy weight, and the second, because moderate exercise has been shown to boost your endorphins or ‘happy hormones’.
8. Energy Medicine
I have also started looking after my energy fields. I can’t see them (although there are people who can apparently, and they have developed these techniques and exercises). I use the
Crown Pull and
Wayne Cook daily. I also make sure that I ground myself using oils (like Hawaiian Sandalwood and the Grounding Blend) and walking on damp grass while breathing slowly and deeply.
9. Support Network
I also make sure I appreciate my support network. I have family and friends who are aware of what I am dealing with, and are very proactive at ensuring I am doing everything I need to do. They are also there should I just need to talk (I include my medical team here too). Surround yourself with positive happy people!
10. Me time
Sometimes I just need some time for me, just to stop and listen to what my body needs. I love drawing, reading and enjoy a long hot soak in the bath with lavender and wild orange essential oils.
By putting all of these things together, I have been able to support myself physically, spiritually and emotionally. I am aware that I am still in the very early stages of being medication free, however I know that if I continue to look after myself, I can look forward to a life filled with joy (and chocolate!). Further tips on fighting depression naturally can be found
here.
References
Disclaimer
The information in this blog is intended for educational purposes only, the statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration (FDA) or Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness or injury should consult with a medical practitioner. These suggested uses apply only to certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) Doterra Essential Oils.
What Next?
If you’d like to learn more about how you can use essential oils for health and happiness, then you can join our online community
GREENLIFEOILS.if you are ready to get started
CLICK HEREfor step by step ordering instructions.
Happy and healthy living!
Tanya