My mother and I both battle depression. I am blessed to have her as an advocate. She doesn't hide the fact that she has depression and champions against the stigma. Depression is "mearly" a biological chemical imbalance, no different than diabetes.
She is the one who taught me about "spirals" and H.A.L.T. A spiral is when the serotonin begins to drop, just like insulin for a diabetic. It is overwhelming, but it can creep up so slowly that you don't even realize it has started until you are in the middle of it. This is why my mother taught me to halt.
H.A.L.T stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. When I notice I am mid-spiral I am to stop and figure which one(s) I am at the moment. I have been all 4 at once. Once I figure it out I do something to fix whichever one is triggering the spiral.
Some depressives require pharmaceutical assistance, which is what I used after my first 3 pregnancies. Personally I hate using them and prefer to get off of them as soon as possible, which is a trick and process unto itself (squishy eyeballs, anyone?)
I was hoping after Baby C's complicated delivery that I wouldn't battle or have as severe PPD as the previous pregnancies since I actually got to labor that time. I did have my OB write me a prescription and fill the first bottle just in case. I knew if it started that I wanted to have something on hand.
Everything started out fine but with some of the post-birth complications I felt the start of some small spirals.
I have been researching and building up a collection of oils and books the past few years. I figured I would try and see if I could use some to help stave off needing the prescription. The blend that I came up with has been effective and the version I made for my mother has helped support her pharmaceuticals.
In honor of my mother I call it the HALT blend.
Needed:
A 2oz brown or blue glass bottle.
(For Example)A diluting oil (olive, coconut, etc)
Rollerballs
I prefer red opaque ones, since it is carried around. Essential Oils
(if you need a person) 30 drops Lemon
10 drops Rosemary
5 drops Lavender
5 drops Frankincense
5 drops Cederwood
Fill the rest of the bottle with dilution oil of choice, cap and shake. We use this blend to then fill our roller balls for emercancy use mid-spiral. It seems to help us, I hope it helps others.
*obligitory disclaimer* I am NOT a medical professional or aromatherapist. I'm only sharing what has seemed to help us. Don't take things that you are allergic to and ALWAYS check essential oils for interactions with conditions or medications. Seriously some oils can spark sezures in epileptics. Please don't use any oil in excess as it may trigger health conditions in those around you.
Also links maybe affiliates, but don't change what you pay.. but might help me a little.