There are three main classes of PTSD symptoms:
- Re-experiencing ~ could look like: intrusive memories, sleep disturbance, “unexplained” mood swings, anxiety, zoning out
- Avoidance ~ could look like: avoiding loved ones, refusing help, detachment, estrangement, numbing, “shutting down”, disassociation, denial
- Hyperarousal ~ could look like: nightmares, irritability, sleep disturbance, anger, aggression, impulsivity, panic attacks, exaggerated startle response
All things in nature are meant for temporary exposure and temporary results as a response to a single experience. PTSD causes us to be exposed to those same experiences over and over again as if they are happening in the present. Those responses can be evident to people around us or they can be unfounded according to what external forces are present. Keep in mind that no one chooses to suffer from PTSD even if they chose to be a part of what caused it. Be patient, keep yourself safe, do research for better understanding, pray, and love them where they are at while supporting them to get to where they want to be.
Having the ability to choose an oil to treat a specific symptom is one thing that makes aromatherapy such a great choice for treating PTSD. Sometimes when a person is in the hardest part of the battle the only thing they can do is focusing on continuing to breathe. This means that aromatherapy is a simple tool to use in the hardest moments.
What exactly does aromatherapy mean exactly? It simply means the method of using aromas for their healing properties. This practice has dated back centuries. In fact, essential oils are even mentioned in the Bible! We will briefly go over some options that will help in the day to day experiences.
- Thieves ~ Helps us deal with uncertainty. Also helps provide an extra boost to your overall wellness which is needed when your body is stuck in fight, flight, freeze or fawn mode.
- Peppermint ~ Helps to relieve tension, soreness, calms stressed nerves, and leaves us with a cooling effect which is beneficial in distress.
- Peace and Calming ~ This blend promotes relaxation, deep sense of peace and emotional well-being, dampens tensions, and uplifts feelings.
- PanAway ~ A blend often used for its ability to ease muscle tension but it is also a powerful oil to help with mental and emotional fatigue.
- Stress Away ~ Brings feeling of peace and tranquility, helps relieve daily stress and nervous tension, improves mental response, and promotes relaxation.
- Lavender ~ Known as the swiss army knife of essential oils for its ability to help with so many different areas. It induces feelings of relaxation and helps to calm the entire body.
- SARA ~ Helps relax into a mental state to facilitate the release of trauma. This is great oil for humans, as well as animals, who have had negative experiences that may have "charges" or "triggers". These are unresolved negative emotions that can be restored when brought to awareness.
- Lemon ~ Helps when you feel left behind, detached, empty, frustrated, stuck, and when life feels unreliable.
- Trauma Life ~ Aids in combating stress, anger, restlessness, and a weakened immune response.
- Valor ~ This blend helps energy alignment of the body, increases feelings of strength, courage, and self-esteem. This oil is often the one that many Veterans struggling with PTSD grab when they are under pressure.
- Purification ~ Helps to reduce angry and violent feelings. Helps you deal with loneliness and rejection. Also helps turn around erroneous and negative thoughts.
- Release ~ Aids in the release of anger and memory trauma from the liver. It also helps open the subconscious mind through pineal stimulation.
- Joy ~ It produces magnetic energy and helps overcome grief, loss of the zest of life, and helps to restore what has been taken.
- Present Time ~ Helps with empowering, helping you get beyond the past, and move towards the future.
- Frankincense ~ Helps stimulate the limbic region of the brain, which is where we deal with our emotions. It also brings on a quick and effective grounding effect.
Using essential oils has other benefits that can help improve your overall health in addition to helping with the symptoms associated with this disorder. They are full body support that start from the root up.
You were not created to suffer! There are options to help. Connecting with a trusted friend that can offer you support in your wellness journey is pertinent to your success. So choose someone you trust to help you along the way.
God created you for more. The world needs you. Your story is not over!
With love, MP
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.
For Veterans push 1 after dialing 988
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
