People of any age and either sex can feel ISOLATED at some point in their lives.
This may be due to circumstances such as moving to a new town or being confined to the house through illness or injury. Or other factors may be at work, such as phobias, problems communicating, or shift work. And of course, a tendency to be painfully shy can cause a person to avoid social contact.
But as humans we require connection with others. Being alone is not good for physical or mental health. Apart from the emotional aspect of loneliness, being alone most of the time has physical effects as well. Cognitive function can decline, weight can increase, immunity can decrease, exercise and good diet choices tend to fall by the wayside, and so on.
When people with persistent low mood feel intensely sad most of the time and have a loss of interest in activities that previously brought them joy, it is common for them to withdraw from close family and friends and no longer make the effort to go out. Excessive use of the Internet can be a common sign too, especially in young people.
Social isolation, whether by choice or not, can further compound feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, and helplessness. Negative thought patterns are common: for example, “people are better off without me;” “I’m a failure;” “I can’t get anything right.”
Love, respect, and patience from family and friends can greatly help someone with low mood. Knowing that someone is looking out for them or is willing to come and spend time with them can provide a remarkable uplift to the mood. Outside professionals can help too, with pastoral care and counselling sessions.
Research shows that talking and understanding can help people to cope with stressful feelings and low mood, and aids in recovery. A report from Sane.org, a mental health organization in Australia, showed that almost all people with persistent low mood considered social relationships important in improving the quality of their lives and helping them to manage their symptoms; they also reported that having someone to talk to made them feel better.
However, prolonged social isolation can escalate into very toxic and negative thinking, to a point where being told to “cheer up,” “snap out of it,” or “pull yourself together,” can increase worthlessness and anxious feelings—and possibly even do more harm than good.
It is important to note that if you, or someone you know, has suicidal thoughts or displays any of these signs below, they may be contemplating self-harm, and urgent medical attention is needed.
• Making final arrangements.
• Talking about death or self-harm.
• Engages in self-harming acts.
• A sudden lifting of mood.
Essential Oils that can assist to uplift mood and overcome feelings of despair and despondency include these:
• ELEVATION Joyful Blend
• MOTIVATE Encouraging Blend
• CHEER Uplifting Blend
• Rose
• Melissa
• Litsea
• Wild Orange
• Tangerine
ELEVATION JOYFUL BLEND evokes happiness with a combination of mood-elevating and uplifting Essential Oils such as Lavandin, Tangerine, Lavender, Amyris, Clary Sage, Hawaiian Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Ho Wood, Osmanthus, Lemon Myrtle, and Melissa.
ELEVATION JOYFUL BLEND’S floral and euphoric aroma can soothe the heart, promote a positive mood, and increase confidence. It inspires courage, cheerfulness, and fun, and encourages a sense of faith and hope so that worry and fear can be reduced.
PRACTICAL USES
• Diffuse ELEVATION JOYFUL BLEND to promote feelings of self-worth while also helping to lessen restless feelings.
• Diffuse ELEVATION JOYFUL BLEND in the mornings before waking kids to create a positive and energized mood.
• Rub ELEVATION JOYFUL BLEND over your heart, temples, or wrists to elevate mood and promote vitality.
• After a long, stressful day, take a bath with a few drops of ELEVATION JOYFUL BLEND to help lessen feelings of stress.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
DIFFUSION: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
TOPICAL USE: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.
CAUTIONS
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. Avoid sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying product.
SOCIALIZE WITHOUT STRESS RECIPE
• 6 drops ELEVATION JOYFUL BLEND
• 4 drops CITRUS BLISS Invigorating Blend
• 4 drops Tangerine Essential Oil
• 5 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil
Add Essential Oils to a 10ml roller bottle and top with Fractionated Coconut Oil. Apply to pulse points and soles of feet when needing a little extra courage to go out.
QUESTION – WHEN DO YOU ACTIVELY SEEK OUT TIME TO BE ALONE?
