Depression is a mental disorder where prevalent negative thoughts and feelings or severe apathy overshadow every aspect of a person’s life. Those with depression tend to lack the energy for simple daily tasks and causes those who suffer from it to lack the ability to function normally.

The word depression originates from the Latin word “depressare” which means “to press down”. This translation is pretty spot on considering those who are depressed feel pressed down, heavy, blue, or down emotionally.

There are many phases and levels of severity of depression including:

Chronic Depression – when a period of depression lasts more than two years. Also known as dysthymia.

Depressive Episode – A short period of time (hours, days, or weeks) where a person experiences depression but then it goes away

Recurrent Depression – Where symptoms of depression return more than six months after the last episode

Relapse – Where symptoms of depression return within six months of the last episode

Common Symptoms of Depression Include:

• Apathy even toward things you enjoy
• Avoiding others
• Fatigue
• Feelings of futility
• Grogginess no matter how much sleep you get
• Loss of appetite
• Low libido
• Low self-esteem
• Moodiness
• Sadness
• Very low energy for even simple daily tasks like showering, dressing, and other self-care practices

No matter which forms of depression or severity you or someone you know suffers from, it is incredibly important to reach out to or confide in others. Often, we never realize that those closest to us are secretly struggling with this crippling condition.

Along with proper support from friends, family, and a professional, essential oils can also be used to help support those with depression on their healing journey.

The Best Anti-Depressant Essential Oils

Essential oils can alter our emotional state due to their influence on the limbic system and have been proven to elevate the mood. This is especially helpful during times of depression where apathy, lethargy, and overwhelming sadness take root and have a negative impact on our daily lives.

Essential oils can directly influence our emotional response which makes them very powerful allies to employ during times of depression.

Some of the best essential oils for positively affecting the mood include:

• Basil
• Benzoin
• Bergamot
• Black pepper
• Calamus
• Clary sage
• Frankincense
• Geranium
• Ginger
• Grapefruit
• Jasmine
• Juniper
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Neroli
• Orange
• Patchouli
• Ravensara
• Roman chamomile
• Rose otto
• Rosemary
• Rosewood
• Sage
• Sandalwood
• Tangerine
• Ylang ylang
• Yuzu

Anti-Depressant Essential Oil Recipes

The simple recipes below can be added to a diffuser, a roll-on (half the recipes) that you can carry with you, or worn in diffuser jewelry for easy use.

Recommended Blend #1

• 1 drop jasmine
• 3 drops bergamot (FCF only if used topically – read why here)
• 3 drops geranium

Add to a diffuser and diffuse 2-3x daily.

Recommended Blend #2

• 3 drops orange
• 3 drops bergamot (FCF only if used topically)
• 3 drops grapefruit

Add to a diffuser and diffuse 2-3x daily.

Recommended Blend #3

• 1 drop benzoin
• 1 drop rose otto
• 5 drops lemon or yuzu (steam distilled lemon only if used topically)

Dilute in 2 TB carrier oil and dab onto wrists, behind the ears, and chest as needed.

What have been your favorite anti-depressant essential oils to help elevate your mood? Please share in the comments below!

You may also enjoy reading:

Essential Oils for Depression
Healing Depression Naturally
Essential Oil Quick Usage Guide

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