Aromatherapy: Attempting to Calm Upset Teens

Nancy Fowler is a registered nurse and a master's degree holder in Psychology. She was the one who introduced aromatherapy as a way to calm upset teens.

This method was a product of years spent with teens who become explosive and exhibit aggressive behavior. 

Fowler was able to introduce this method after trying to avoid medication, seclusion, or restraint. Fowler said, "I'm always searching and trying to figure out what could be effective that's less restrictive and that could have a beneficial outcome."

Fowler became part of the Jefferson School, an institution mental health treatment center for teens, as the health services director.

ALSO READ: Distance Learning is a Time for Teens to Let Go of Getting an 'A'

Aromatherapy as a way to calm upset teens

Fowler introduced aromatherapy by bringing essential oils to each homeroom in the school and allowed students to sniff them.

This method to calm upset teens was proposed along with tai chi, walking, and yoga. Other measures like removing soda during meals were also done to help teens stay calm.

Aromatherapy later turned out to be an effective way for some of the teens in the school. According to a study conducted by Fowler in 2004, among the 43 teen students, 28 of them asked for aromatherapy when they are upset, frustrated, or agitated.

Among those 28 students, 21 said that they felt calmer and more relaxed after the aromatherapy.

This study was published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing.

ALSO READ: Parents of Teens Should Ease Up During the Pandemic, According to Experts

What kind of aromatherapy was utilized?

According to the study, the students who wanted to use aromatherapy to stay calm had the option of using the essential oils. One way is by putting the oils on a cotton pad for them to smell. The other option is by massaging the oils to their hands.

The blend of oils used by the students was "a mix of ylang-ylang, sweet marjoram, and bergamot in a base of jojoba."

According to Fowler, anyone can use this method to stay calm. However, the type of oils that they will use would depend on the person.

ALSO READ: Parents Ask: How to stop panic attacks experienced by kids [What to do]

What causes teens to get upset or exhibit aggression?

According to Child Mind Institute, there is no only reason why teens or children become upset.

There are several possible reasons as to why teens exhibit aggression or become upset.

It could be due to underlying problems that are not obvious.

Here are some of the reasons or causes of teen aggression:

1. Mood disorders
2. Frustration
3. Psychosis
4. Conduct disorder
5. Trauma
6. Injury

Although there are ways that may help upset teens to stay calm, the best way to still address such problems is by consulting an expert.

Mental health experts can adequately address teens' issues, boost teen mental health, and help avoid aggression.

ALSO READ: Experts Share Ways on How to Improve Mental Health Through Technology