SARAH TRASK HOMEOPATHIC PERSPECTIVE
Homeopathy is an option for those who struggle with anxiety.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in Canada, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada. And some would say from children to adults to the elderly, our society is experiencing an epidemic of anxiety.
Most people experience feelings of nervousness or fear when faced with certain situations and this reaction is normal and does not require treatment. Where homeopathy can help is when the patient experiences anxiety on a chronic level, which impedes on their ability to function, whether it’s at school or work, as a parent, in social situations or in family relationships.
When there is some degree of functional impairment on daily life or the person’s symptoms cause significant distress, classical homeopathic treatment is an excellent option.
There are so many symptoms associated with anxiety, some of which are common, such as heart palpitations, changes in appetite, mood shifts, insomnia, restlessness, oversensitivity to stimuli, etc. A homeopath would investigate the etiology or causative factor for the anxiety (whether it’s PTSD, thyroid, digestive system not functioning, change of life, etc.), as well as triggers for the individual and analyze the physiological manifestations of the anxiety (i.e. the patient’s unique experience of the anxiety). Here are some curative case examples to illustrate the above:
Case one — An eight-year-old boy who loved playing baseball got hit in the face with a baseball when up to bat and since hadn’t been able to step up to bat. The incident was traumatic for him. He was scared that he would get hit again and became withdrawn, very emotional, frightened and angry.
He was also having nightmares and would wake at night with them. He completely lost his appetite and his parents had to force him to eat. Initially, the remedy stramonium 200ch was given a couple of times, after which there were no improvements, so I decided upon the remedy Aconitum napellus 200ch, based on the specific etiology of the fright remaining (one of the best remedies for post-traumatic stress).
He immediately improved, seemed to balance out instantly and only had to take the remedy one other time when, a few games later, noticed the fear start to return again. No more remedy needed after that, as the boy happily finished out the remainder of baseball season without any issue.
Case two — A 23-year-old girl had severe agoraphobia and social anxiety since a concussion two years earlier. The patient was taking prescribed Ativan three to six times daily and dropped out of school and moved back in with parents. She could not leave the house and her mother needed to lie with her at night when her anxiety was at its worst.
She had become a completely different person, with lots of fears of being in public, and had become extremely sensitive to any noise, light and smells. She noticed bruising easily as well. Homeopathic phosphorus 1M was administered daily and the patient noticed improvements within the first 24 hours, and after two weeks was down to one Ativan daily. After three months, she wasn’t needing any Ativan and was able to be out in social situations, be with her friends and go to the mall. After six months, she was feeling herself completely and back at school full time and living with a roommate again.
Case three — A 52-year-old male had severe anticipatory anxiety. He had fears of what would happen next and the anxiety was always directed at the future. He had intense tightness in the upper back and palpitations in the chest before an appointment, an event or an engagement.
This patient would also lose or forget words when talking due to the anxiety. He had lived his whole life with anxiety and was very fearful as a child. He had lots of trembling with the anxiety, as well as observed trembling in his voice when taking his case. The patient also experienced severe heartburn and eczema in the bends of his joints. Lycopodium clavatum 200ch was given once and changes were noticed immediately. The patient described an immediate lessening of the anxiety and an increase in confidence the same day. The patient continues to use this remedy on an as needed basis, which averages out to taking two pellets every few weeks, and has no more anticipatory anxiety, heartburn or eczema.
Sarah Trask is a licensed and classically trained Homeopathic Doctor who has been practising in Wolfville for the past eight years. She has a wonderfully diverse family practice and has the privilege to treat an array of health conditions.
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