Recently, I’ve been asked whether using perfume has benefits for mental health. As someone who has struggled with chronic mental health issues (which have recently become more stable), I’d like to share how something as seemingly simple as perfume can have an impact on our emotional well-being.
A little backstory: while living in England, I was diagnosed with several mental health disorders, including PTSD, severe anxiety, major depression, and three others. I share this to give context to my perspective, as I am someone who has experienced mental health disorders firsthand.
In our increasingly busy world, maintaining mental health has become more important than ever. Many of us are looking for ways to relieve stress and boost our mood amidst the pressures of daily life. One often-overlooked but effective method is through the use of perfume. Yes, perfume is not just about smelling pleasant, but also about how its fragrance can influence our emotions and mental health.
Our sense of smell has a direct link to the limbic system in the brain, which is the center of emotions and memories. Therefore, certain scents can trigger emotional responses, whether they are calming, uplifting, or nostalgic. This is why a particular fragrance can instantly remind us of people, places, or moments from our lives.
For instance, there are some fragrances I avoid even though I like them because they remind me of unpleasant memories from a time I lived abroad with my sister. When we stayed in there, we used Dior J'adore, with me using the EDT and my sister the EDP. The two fragrances are similar but have different longevity and impressions.
When discussing perfumes with my sister, we talked about J'adore, a scent our mom liked, as we were thinking of buying her a new perfume. My sister admitted she liked J'adore but had negative associations with it due to traumatic memories from our time in that city. I laughed and agreed. That’s why I haven’t restocked the EDT even though I miss the scent.
Perfume is linked to emotions and memories, which can affect our mood and mental health. This is something many people don’t realize. When I’m feeling down in the morning, I use a fresh, uplifting fragrance to help improve my mood and brighten my day. It’s a small but effective aid.
Research shows that certain scents can affect mood, reduce stress, and even help manage anxiety. For example, fragrances like lavender and bergamot are known for their calming properties and can help lower blood pressure and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, lemon scent has been found to boost energy and mental performance, helping one feel more focused and alert.
I was diagnosed with severe insomnia by my doctor in the UK. Although this wasn't at a sleep center, I followed the recommended therapies, including a bedtime routine that involved aromatherapy and drinking tea to help me fall asleep. Dealing with a sleeping disorder from a young age and into adulthood is challenging, but using perfume has proven to make me more comfortable and help me sleep better.
Before using any perfume, I ensure that it is of good quality and doesn’t contain excessive alcohol. Not all designer and mainstream perfumes are good, so I enjoy exploring fragrances to find ones that I like and that suit different occasions.
Using perfume is a simple yet effective way to care for our mental health. By choosing the right scent, we can create a more positive emotional environment, relieve stress, and even boost our confidence. So, start exploring the world of fragrances and find scents that not only delight your senses but also soothe your soul.
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