Homeopathy for Emotional Support During Difficult Times

Homeopathy can be a valuable tool for emotional support during difficult times. As a holistic form of medicine, homeopathy considers not only physical symptoms but also emotional and mental aspects of a person’s well-being. Homeopathic remedies are chosen based on our unique emotional and mental state, aiming to restore balance and promote overall healing.

During challenging periods in life, such as loss, stress, grief, or anxiety, homeopathy may offer support in the following ways:

  • Individualized Approach: Homeopathy considers each person’s emotional state and experiences as unique. Remedies are prescribed based on the specific emotional symptoms expressed, such as sadness, fear, anger, or restlessness.
  • Gentle and Non-Toxic: Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted substances, making them safe and gentle to use. They are non-toxic and do not cause dependency or side effects.
  • Anxiety and Stress Relief: Homeopathic remedies can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress, promoting a sense of calmness and tranquillity.
  • Grief and Loss: Homeopathy may offer support in times of grief and loss, helping individuals process their emotions and find comfort during the healing process.
  • Sleep and Relaxation: Homeopathic remedies can aid in improving sleep quality and relaxation, which is often affected during challenging times.
  • Emotional Resilience: By supporting the body’s self-healing capacity, homeopathy may help individuals become more emotionally resilient and better equipped to cope with difficult emotions.

Tumultuous times may also give rise to physical symptoms such as acid reflux, problems with swallowing, diarrhoea, a feeling of tightness in the throat, difficulty breathing, weight loss, poor immune system, etc.

Can homeopathy address these complaints?

Homeopathy is a traditional system of medicine that has been practiced worldwide for over 200 years. It incorporates mental and emotional aspects of the health of patients, viewing the body and mind as dynamically interconnected.

Homeopathic medicines originate from a variety of natural sources, mainly plants, minerals and animal products. Homeopathy regards any substance capable of producing symptoms in a healthy person as having the potential to counter similar symptoms in a sick person. The medicines are prepared through a process of serial succussion and dilution.

Clinical trials, including both randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies, have shown that homeopathy may significantly help symptoms of anxiety and depression.

For example, 2014 double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT reported positive and statistically significant results in homeopathic treatment for anxiety and depression disorders. A 2013 observational study found notable improvements in sleep and anxiety after just one month of homeopathic treatment.

Working alongside conventional medicine

One of the strengths of homeopathic treatment is that it can be used alongside, and often complements, conventional care: people do not need to take a ‘one or the other’ approach (a common misconception). Accordingly, an Australian survey of homeopaths highlighted that 84% of homeopathic practitioners had patients who were already taking antidepressants for their depression. Most homeopaths across the globe will attest to their patients already taking conventional medication and using homeopathy as concomitant treatment.

Furthermore, there is scope for people to reduce their drug loads. A large French study formally concluded:

“Patients with ADDs [anxiety and depression disorders] choosing to consult GPs who prescribe homeopathy in addition to conventional medicine reported use of fewer psychotropic drugs and were marginally more likely to experience clinical improvement than patients managed with conventional care.”

The French study found that by 12 months, psychotropic drug utilisation in the group of people treated only with homeopathy by homeopathic GPs remained well under 50%, whereas patients in two other groups managed in conventional care settings reached relatively similar higher values (68.0 and 63.5 % respectively).

A snapshot of homeopathic remedies for acute anxiety and depression

This is not a complete list of remedies by any means. Below is a small selection of remedies commonly used in a variety of acute situations. For chronic care do not self-prescribe and please seek professional help.

Fear & Anxiety

Aconite: when sudden fears overtake us rapidly. Intense fear (including irrational fear of death); as well as palpitations, shortness of breath, flushed face, and trembling.

Arsenicum album: anxiety accompanied by gastric symptoms such as diarrhoea and indigestion. Anxiety can manifest with panic attacks. There may be exhaustion but also restlessness, and perhaps much fretting and anguish over their health or the health of others. During acute episodes they may be critical, fastidious and controlling. Ailments from sudden financial loss can result in this state.

Calcarea carbonicum: Craves stability, routine and protection; therefore truly dreads disaster. Anxious when things are not going according to plan. Neatness out of concern for contagion and a need for order. Anxiety may manifest as anger, envy, hatred, withdrawal, unresponsiveness, despair, or indifference.

Gelsemium: Apprehensive and timid, these people feel they do not have the resources to do what they feel they’d like or need to do. Vertigo, weakness, trembling, chills, diarrhea, drowsiness, and even speechlessness from fright. When trembling, they want to be held.

Depression & Sadness

Ignatia: Where depression follows from bereavement, loss, or a shock. Those needing this remedy will typically demonstrate emotional ups and downs with mood swings, which may express as laughter alternating with tears. They will appear calm one minute but can quickly become very upset, even inconsolable. They will bottle their sadness up, finding it hard to talk and may express this as sighing. Poor sleep is common and so is the sensation of a ball or something stuck in their throat, known conventionally as ‘globus syndrome’.

Natrum muriaticum: People needing this remedy can bottle things up and suppress their emotions. This is one of my most frequently used homeopathic treatments for symptoms of stress, such as those typified by mild depression. A good remedy for bereavement. May be used if they have never been well since a shock or loss and feel as if they have a glass wall between them and the rest of the world. They may find it very difficult to cry and therefore grief is not processed.

They feel worse for sympathy yet are very empathetic people. They sometimes build up a barrier emotionally and can appear somewhat cold and distant. They can worry about upsetting people unintentionally by saying the wrong thing and can take things the wrong way. Anxieties are often cloaked by migraines, tingling in the extremities, palpitations, insomnia, and isolation or feigned indifference. These people tend to bottle up their emotions and try to process them in isolation.

Other strategies to cope

Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you stay present in the moment, reduce anxiety, and improve your ability to cope with stress. Engaging in regular meditation can provide a sense of inner calm and perspective during turbulent times.

Regular physical activity, such as walking, running, yoga, or dancing, can release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Exercise can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being.

Spending time in nature can have a calming and grounding effect. Take walks in the park, hike in the mountains, or sit by the ocean to find solace and serenity.

Engaging in creative activities, such as painting, writing, playing music, or crafting, can be therapeutic and allow you to express emotions that might be difficult to put into words.

Reach out to friends, family, or support groups for understanding and encouragement. Talking to others who have experienced similar turmoil can provide comfort and perspective.

Practicing deep breathing techniques can help you relax and reduce stress. Take slow, deep breaths, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly. This can help calm your nervous system and promote relaxation.

Ensure you are getting enough restorative sleep, as it plays a crucial role in emotional well-being and coping with challenging situations.

Eating a healthy and balanced diet can support your physical and emotional health. Foods rich in nutrients can help stabilize mood and energy levels.

Resist the temptation to turn to alcohol, drugs, or other substances to cope with turmoil, as they can provide temporary relief but may worsen the situation in the long run.

If you find it challenging to cope with turmoil on your own, consider seeking support from a counsellor, therapist, or mental health professional. Talking to a professional can provide valuable insights and tools to navigate through difficult times.

Remember that coping with turmoil is a journey, and it’s okay to seek help and take small steps toward healing. Each person’s coping strategies may vary, so it’s essential to find what works best for you and take time for self-care and self-compassion during challenging times.

For crisis care

You may also be interested in …