What is Emotional or Psychological Shock?
Emotional or Psychological Shock, otherwise known as Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a condition where an individual feels stuck, numb, or disconnected and may even be unable to provide a reaction. It is usually caused by traumatic events that an individual may have heard, witnessed, or experienced. Fear, pain, and confusion are some of the contributing factors as to why the person is showing a stuck reaction. The difficult situation or disturbing events that the individual has faced causes them to experience too much stress, thus resulting in the person’s difficulty in concentrating or inability to elicit a prompt response
Events that caused us to fear or get hurt can make us suffer from shock. Traumatic events may they be physical or emotional, or whether they happened accidentally or anticipated can slow down our way of processing and understanding things. Looking at the physiological aspects, shock is caused by a sudden disturbance of balance, and thus can result in a sudden drop in blood flow through the body. Other causes could be sudden abnormal imbalances and physiological conditions, as well as allergic reactions.
Meanwhile, looking at psychological and emotional aspects, it can be caused by anxiety, and traumatic events such as accidents, or any unexpected undesirable occurrences. A sample of this is when we hear or read bad news that really hurt us. Because we are so affected by it we are at times unable to react instantly because we can’t think straight. Seeing detail after detail that hurt us, may cause us to feel that the more we know the more we become confused about the truth. Overwhelmed by the situation, we feel that there are too many things to mull over, process, and accept in an instant. While in this condition, our thought could also be clouded with hurt, worries, fears, and unbelief about the things we didn’t expect to have happened or witnessed. At the same time, there’s also wishful thinking that things could get better. All of these concerns are in our thoughts hence causing us to take time in processing and understanding events thus delaying or lagging our ability to react or speak about our thoughts right away.
Essential oil for shock management
When this happens essential oil can be used as remedies to treat shock. A few of the most useful oils in cases of shock are neroli and peppermint. (3) Neroli essential oil promotes mental clarity. (4) Sniffing it can help to clear the head as it reduces the cortisol level which is a stress hormone. Moreover, it helps and triggers the brain to release serotonin, which is a happy hormone. (5)
Peppermint is most useful for shock because it can increase the activity of the specific organ such as the brain due to its stimulant properties. It is also cephalic, thus stimulating mental activity and aiding in clear thinking too. (3) However, refrain from consuming peppermint oil if you are using homeopathic remedies to treat shock as it can be an antidote to this mode of treatment.
Melissa is useful and provides comfort when the shock is caused by a news about an unexpected passing or death, and the shocked person experiences grief. (Updated note)
Application Method
You can use these oils as an immediate remedy to help a shocked person. This can be done through the inhalation method. The shocked person can either inhale directly from the bottle or drop some oils on the handkerchief. (3)
Best time to apply essential oils
Administering oil therapy on shocked people can be performed before an anticipated stressful event or even after any trauma.
It is important to note that individuals who suffered shock, may have episodes where they can’t react instantly. However, it is advisable that a compassionate aromatherapist understand this and eagerly persevere in working with the person who was shocked to help improve their condition. Essential oil must be continuously applied as deemed necessary. Regular monitoring is advised as well to see the improvement and effect of the oil on the person.
References:
- (1) Shock: First aid. Mayo Clinic. Date Retrieved: May 11, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-shock/basics/art-20056620
- (2) Shock. American Psychological Association. Date Retrieved: May 11, 2023. https://dictionary.apa.org/shock
- (3) Aromatherapy and A-Z. Patricia Davis. C.W. Daniel Company Limited. 1988
- (4) Neroli Essential Oil. 12/31/2019. HerbClip News. American Botanical Council. http://herbalgram.org/resources/herbclip/herbclip-news/2019/neroli-essential-oil/
- (5) Whelan C. Health Benefits of Neroli Oil, and How to Use It. Healthline. 2/ 20/2019. https://www.healthline.com/health/neroli-oil#benefits. Date retrieved: 5/11/2023
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