Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by intense and unstable emotions, extreme mood swings, and impulsive behaviors. It affects nearly 1 in every 100 adults in the United States (including my partner) and can significantly impair one's quality of life. While traditional treatment methods such as therapy and medication can be effective, there are other complementary therapies such as aromatherapy that can also offer relief. In this blog post, I’ll be discussing the benefits of aromatherapy for patients with BPD.
Aromatherapy can help reduce anxiety and stress
One of the hallmark symptoms of BPD is intense anxiety and stress. Aromatherapy can be incredibly beneficial in reducing these symptoms by calming the mind and promoting relaxation. Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang are known for their calming effects and can be diffused or used in topical applications like massage oils to promote relaxation.
Aromatherapy can improve mood stability
One of the biggest struggles for BPD patients is their mood instability. Aromatherapy can help with this by improving overall mood stability and creating a sense of balance. Essential oils like peppermint and lemon are known to have mood-boosting effects and can be diffused or used in baths or shower gels.
Aromatherapy can help reduce insomnia
Another common issue for BPD patients is insomnia or difficulty sleeping. Aromatherapy can be incredibly effective in promoting sleep by creating a calming environment. Essential oils like lavender or bergamot can be diffused or added to bathwater or massage oils to create a relaxing atmosphere that encourages healthy sleep patterns.
Aromatherapy can promote mindfulness
Another aspect of BPD that can be difficult is being present in the moment or practicing mindfulness. Aromatherapy can be used as a tool to help promote mindfulness by using scents to ground oneself in the present moment. Essential oils like frankincense or sandalwood can be diffused or used in meditation practices to help facilitate mindfulness.
Aromatherapy can enhance self-care practices
Finally, aromatherapy can be a great addition to self-care practices for those with BPD. Taking a few moments to diffuse an essential oil or run a bath with added essential oils can be a great way to prioritize self-care and relaxation. This can be especially helpful in times of crisis or high stress.
In conclusion, aromatherapy can be a powerful tool in managing some of the symptoms associated with BPD. By promoting relaxation, stability, and mindfulness, essential oils can help improve overall quality of life for those with BPD. As with any therapy, it's important to find what works best for you personally, but integrating aromatherapy into your self-care routine is certainly worth considering. It has been working well for my partner.
Grief, as much as we might wish otherwise, is an emotion that doesn't conveniently pack its bags and take off after a set period. It settles in and becomes an enduring part of us, like a tattoo on the heart. Whether it’s been two months or two years, the longing for a lost friend, brother, or child can still catch us by surprise, sweeping over us like an unexpected breeze. It’s those small moments—the favorite song coming on the radio, the scent of their favorite meal cooking, or a shared joke echoing in our mind—that bring back a flood of memories and the realization of their absence.
In those moments of overwhelming emotion, Our family has found solace in a companion that’s been a true blessing: Young Living’s Peace & Calming essential oil. Over the last few days, especially as we marked the two-year anniversary of my sons best friends passing, this gentle blend became a comforting presence in our lives. Just a few drops diffused in the living room or added to a relaxing bath at night seemed to wrap us in a reassuring embrace.
While Peace & Calming doesn’t erase the loss or the longing—I wouldn't want it to, as those feelings are tied to someone truly loved—it has helped me find a semblance of tranquility amidst the stormy sea of emotions. Its soothing, sweet fragrance helps ease the tension each time that wave of grief washes over me, allowing me to take a deep breath and find a moment of peace.
If you're navigating the turbulent waters of grief, as many of us are, I encourage you to be gentle with yourself. Allow the memories to come and go freely, acknowledging the pain but also cherishing the love that remains. And, if you haven't already, consider inviting Peace & Calming into your self-care routine. It’s not a magic wand, but it helps illuminate a path towards finding peace in the quiet moments and acts as a supportive friend on the journey through grief. Remember, it’s okay to feel, and it’s okay to seek support, whether from a cherished aroma or a community of empathetic hearts who walk this path beside you.
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