More than 17 million Americans are affected by feelings of self-doubt each year. Nearly everyone feels depressed from time to time. And there are circumstances in life that create situational mood imbalance, such as death, loss of job, poor health, difficult times, and so on. Generally, this type of issue passes after a relatively short period of time. 

Clinical mood imbalance, on the other hand, lingers—often lasting months or years. It interferes with daily life on all levels—work, parenting, relationships, sleep, school, appetite, and so on. Situational mood challenges can often turn into clinical issues.

Symptoms of clinical mood imbalance may include:

• Persistently sad or irritable mood.
  
• Pronounced changes in sleep, appetite, and energy.
  
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, and remembering.
  
• Physical slowing or agitation.
  
• Lack of interest in or pleasure from activities that were once enjoyed.
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, and emptiness.
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
  
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness recommends, “When several of [the] symptoms of depressive illness occur at the same time, last longer than two weeks and interfere with ordinary functioning, professional treatment is needed” (NAMI, 2009, p. 1).
Diagnosing and treating mental health conditions involves many variables and differs from person to person. For some, prescription drugs help. For others, combinations of therapies help. Some find help from therapists, while others use a combination of prescription drugs and/or a variety of modalities. Some individuals seek a more holistic approach through exercise and better eating. Regardless of any treatment plan, proper nutrition and the use of essential oils can be powerful and supportive.

Here are 3 essential oil tips to help uplift mood and support feelings of self-doubt.

1. Release Grief
Oil Protocol:

Blend 25 drops bergamot, 15 drops Roman chamomile, 7 drops cypress, and 6 drops marjoram in a glass vial.

Application:

Pour 5 to 7 drops of blend into a water diffuser or attach the whole mixture to the side of a waterless diffuser, such as an Aroma-Ace® Diffuser. Run your diffuser for 15 minutes per hour when home.

Affirmation: 

"I understand that grief is natural and I am letting it flow through me as appropriate. I am focusing on a future of love and acceptance and I know that it is okay to feel my feelings."

2. Relieve Emotional Trauma
Oil Protocol:

Combine 4 drops each in a roller bottle: cilantro, coriander, frankincense, helichrysum, vetiver, white fir, and wild orange.

Application:

Apply to lower back and outside of ankles in an upward motion.

Affirmation:

"I am allowed to be healthy. I heal rapidly and immediately. My body is whole and complete. I trust myself to take care of myself. I am rapidly recovering, and every day I create positive feelings I am comfortable with."

3. Maintain Positive Energy Around You
Oil Protocol:

Use a commercial blend intended to bring joy; or make your own by blending 2 drops each cypress, lavender, lemon myrtle, melissa, sandalwood, tangerine, and ylang ylang.

Application:

Apply behind the ears.

Affirmation:

"I am maintaining extraordinary positive energy and healthy boundaries. Everyone I encounter is happy, helpful, delightful, and supports me in multiplying positive energy in my environment."