🧠 MCT Oil & Mental Health

My Story + Science + Why It Might Help You Too

MCT oil has definitely gained more traction since 2020—which is a great sign. More people are becoming aware of its potential to support brain and body health.

I first discovered the healing potential of MCT oil back in 2020. And honestly? It came into my life during one of the most chaotic, transformative periods I’ve ever experienced.

Story Time:

Fresh out of a psych ward, on the run from an abusive ex, I packed up my cat, sold my PS4, and moved to a new city. I was chasing the hope that the “big city” could be my fresh start—like a chaotic early 2000s chick flick.

And while the healing wasn’t instant, it did come. Life slowly started turning into something beautiful—something little Rosi only dreamed of. If nothing else, I hope this reminds you to trust yourself, even when everything feels uncertain.

😵In the Thick of It

Back in 2020, I was working 70 hours a week to get out of debt and into my first apartment. Any spare moment was spent searching for ways to feel better. My mental health was at its worst:

PTSD flashbacks were intense and daily, triggered by songs, smells, and objects
Depression so deep I couldn't brush my teeth most days
Migraines, light sensitivity, and intense brain fog

And I knew—deep in my gut—that mental illness wasn’t just “in my head.” I believed it was also physical: rooted in the brain and nervous system, and there had to be a way to physically heal.

🔍 The Turning Point: Finding MCT Oil

At this time, no one was talking about recovery in the mental health space. Natural remedies were side-eyed or dismissed entirely. But I kept asking myself:

"What can actually help my body and brain feel better?"

That’s when I discovered who was taking MCT oil seriously:
The sports industry.

Of course! Unlike Big Pharma, the sports world profits when athletes are healthy. And that’s where I found real research—especially around recovery from concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

One major case that sparked this research was Aaron Hernandez, the NFL player whose brain showed extreme signs of CTE (a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma). His case pushed the sports world to explore nutritional support for brain recovery.

And due to the unfortunate events of Aaron Josef Hernandez- an NFL player who murdered a man right before signing a $40 million extension to play for the New England Patriots. Sports Research was on the rise to find ways to recover athletes from Head trauma and provide their brains with proper nutrients.

💪🏽 MCT Oil: What It Is & Why It Helps

MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides—a unique type of fat, most commonly found in coconut oil 🥥.

Unlike long-chain fats in other oils, MCTs are:

Easier to digest (no bile salts required)
Quickly absorbed and turned into energy
A fast, clean fuel for your brain

Because of their small molecular structure, MCTs reach your brain fast—helping it function more efficiently.

🧬 Science-Backed Benefits

While most commonly known for weight loss and sports performance, MCT oil is gaining attention for its cognitive and mood-supporting properties. Here’s what researchers are seeing:

🧠 Mental Health & Brain Function:

Supports memory retrieval
May reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s, ADHD, MDD, and PTSD
Boosts mental clarity and focus
Improves mood and emotional regulation

💪 Physical & Wellness Benefits:

Sustained energy for workouts
Supports gut health and nutrient absorption
Helps manage appetite and cravings
May aid in fat metabolism and weight control
Useful for TBI (traumatic brain injuries) recovery

I started drinking MCT oil during a desperate, messy chapter of my life—and it helped. Not just with energy, but with mental clarity and emotional balance. And later, it helped someone close to me recover clearer speech and a more positive mood after they had experienced a traumatic brain injury in their earlier years of life.

MCT oil isn’t magic, but it can be a powerful tool on your healing journey.

Because mental health is brain health. And you deserve to feel clear, steady, and supported—body and mind.

Other Benefits of MCT Oil:

Positive Mood and Cognitive Function
Reduced symptoms of anxiety
Increased energy for exercise and sports
Helping the body process fat or nutrients
Appetite control
TBI Recovery (traumatic brain injuries)
Depression Relief
Clearer Focus
Balancing good gut bacteria
Help retrieve Memories.

So… Does MCT Oil Really Work?

In my experience, yes. It helped me—and it helped my friend.
But I also recognize: I’m just me. Everyone’s different.

Some folks may have coconut allergies or simply not respond the same way I did. And that’s okay. But for me, MCT oil made a real difference.

Of course, there are always other factors to explore—no single thing is a magic fix. But I believe MCT oil is worth trying, because everyone deserves the chance to heal, not just cope.

Just a reminder: MCT oil isn’t a cure-all. It won’t replace your self-care routine—it’s something you can add to it.

🗣️ My Story:

At one point, my health was trash. My major depressive disorder (MDD) was peaking, and PTSD had a constant grip on me. The flashbacks were relentless—his face, the voices, the noise, the glass, the headlights. Sometimes it sent me straight into panic attacks. I spent more than a few nights crying on bathroom floors.

I needed it to stop.

I decided to cut off my antidepressants—slowly, over a couple of weeks at first. But the side effects I was having from the antidepressants were unbearable. So after two weeks of cutting the dosage, I just stopped altogether. But this was my choice, and not something I recommend doing without support or a clear plan mapped out.

⚠️ Important Note:
Do NOT stop medications cold turkey unless medically advised. If you’re considering a change, it’s essential to work with a professional, track your symptoms, and have a solid support plan in place (like therapy). Especially if you've been on meds for more than 6 months—or years.

💊 Why I Stopped SSRIs

Even after just a few months on SSRIs, I felt the withdrawal symptoms hard. Yes, the meds gave me a numbed, “calm” state—but they also stripped away every emotion. I felt detached from my home, my cat, even my own reflection. Worst of all, I stopped caring about happiness altogether.

My dosage was increased just weeks in. I didn’t feel better—I just felt more disconnected. Meanwhile, my life was a mess. I was living through constant abuse. I couldn’t afford to feel less—I needed to act, to move, to survive.

Eventually, my body chose for me: I started vomiting frequently and dropping weight. Clearly, the meds weren’t working for me.

💡 Trying MCT Oil

After quitting SSRIs, I ordered a jug of MCT oil online and began adding 2 tablespoons to my coffee or protein shake each day.

Within about 1.5 weeks, I noticed a shift:

The mental fog started lifting.
PTSD flashbacks became less intense.
I could think more clearly and make decisions more confidently.
I wasn’t losing my keys in a panic anymore—I was remembering where I left them.

It wasn’t just in my head.

To test it further, I gave a jug to a close friend (now my partner) who had survived a traumatic brain injury. His results? Improved mood and clearer speech.

That was enough confirmation for me.

🧠 Final Thoughts

MCT oil isn’t a miracle, but for me—and others—it’s been a game-changer for brain health.
And that’s the heart of it:
Mental health is brain health.

Everyone deserves to feel better, to reclaim clarity, and to thrive—not just survive.

The MCT OIL I used for 3+ Years

Amazon LINK
Sports Research
MCT Oil
Keto
Organic

✨ Ways to Use MCT Oil

MCT oil is a versatile addition to your wellness routine—inside and out! Here are a few friendly and simple ways to use it:

🌿 Add It to Your Food & Drinks

One of the easiest ways to enjoy MCT oil is by mixing it into your daily favorites. Try adding it to:

Hot or iced tea
Coffee
Protein shakes
Oatmeal

The MCT oil I use (linked above) is flavorless, so it blends in smoothly. You might notice a light coating left on your lips afterward—I like to think of it as a little extra moisture boost! 💧

Other benefits can come from trying it as:

✨ Skin Care: Nourish Your Face

Apply a small amount of MCT oil to clean, dry skin. Let it sit for 5–15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores!)
Can help soothe breakouts and skin irritation

Perfect for a gentle, nourishing treatment.

🦷 Oil Pulling: A Fresh Start for Your Mouth

Swish 1 teaspoon of MCT oil in your mouth for 2–3 minutes, then spit it out and rinse.
For best results, try doing this twice a day.

It’s a simple way to support oral hygiene—naturally.

💆🏽 Hair Care: Deep Conditioning Mask

Apply MCT oil to your scalp and work it through to the ends of your hair using your fingers. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight as a hair mask.

Great for dry or damaged hair
Helps moisturize and support scalp health

Wrap your hair in a towel or cover it overnight to avoid transfer onto pillows.

(Resources)

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/mct-oil.html#google_vignette

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article