Today (October 10, 2024), is World Mental Health Day. It is time to raise awareness about mental health challenges and to promote wellbeing for all. The past few years have been especially tough, and many of us are feeling the impact on our mental health, so it is important to remember that you are not alone.
The statistics regarding mental health are alarming. The 2024 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Report, states that 8.5 million (43% of the population) Australians aged 16 -85 had experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life. The greatest increase has occurred in young adults (16 – 24 years old). The most common conditions reported include anxiety disorders, affective disorders and substance abuse disorders.
Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical wellbeing and aromatherapy can play a very important role in our self-care rituals.
Essential oils can offer a gentle and natural way to:
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Reduce stress and anxiety – essential oils such as bergamot, roman chamomile, geranium, lavender, sweet orange, sandalwood and vetiver are known for their calming and relaxing properties. |
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Improve sleep – essential oils such as clary sage, chamomile, lavender, sweet marjoram, and vetiver can help promote restful sleep. |
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Boost your mood – citrus oils such as bergamot, lemon and sweet orange along with florals such as jasmine, rose or ylang ylang can lift our moods. |
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Promote mindfulness – the woody and resiny scents of atlas cedarwood, frankincense, sandalwood and vetiver can create an atmosphere conducive to support a state of mindfulness. |
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Enhance focus and concentration – essential oils such as basil, lemon, peppermint and rosemary can help promote concentration and focus. |
Aromatherapy can be a valuable tool to support your mental and emotional wellbeing.
At Perfect Potion, I have crafted many special essential oil blends to help nurture your body, mind and spirit. One of my all-time favourites remains Relax blend, the beautiful combination of lavender, geranium, sweet orange and ylang ylang, not only smell divine, but is such a magical combination of essential oils that can help to reduce stress and ease anxiety.
Remember if you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support.
Please take care and have a wonderful day.
Below are some places to contact for support if you are experiencing mental health challenges.
Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au
Black Dog Institute: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
Head to Health: https://www.headtohealth.gov.au
