Homeopathy and Anxiety

Anxiety and panic attacks are something I’m frequently asked about.  We are, as a society, working more and more towards normalising mental health issues and this is rightly allowing more and more people to seek the support and help that the require. 
It's easy to assume that anxiety is just one illness, but in actual fact there are many different kinds of anxiety disorders. 

• General anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Major depressive disorder
• Phobic disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Separation anxiety disorder

 
These disorders can be debilitating for the sufferer and an anxiety attack may occur at seemingly irregular intervals.  In the moment, the intensity of the symptoms can sometimes seem disproportionate to the trigger, if one can be identified.  Many of us may not even be aware of what has triggered the attack in another. 
If you see someone experiencing an anxiety attack here are a few simple things you can do to try to help. 

1. Remain calm.  This is important so that you don’t exacerbate the person’s panicked feelings.
2. Don’t touch them without their permission.  This could increase their panic and you could make things worse.
3. If you know the trigger you could remove it, or help them to move to another location.  Be mindful to ask their permission to move them first.
4. Mind your words.  Saying things like ‘Calm down’ or similar may seem patronising and could make things worse in the moment.
5. Help them regulate their breathing.  Counting their breaths, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth will help to engage the parasympathetic nervous system and can help to reduce the feelings of panic. If you do it too this will make it easier for them to breathe in this manner. 
6. Don’t leave them alone, especially if they are struggling to breathe.  Even though you may feel like they are being unfriendly, understand that they are going through something very intense and be patient with them. 
7. If you don’t feel able to help or the episode doesn’t seem to be going away then seek medical help. 

The tendency towards anxiety and panic attacks is best treated with constitutional homeopathic treatment.  This approach works with the person to see the episodes of panic reduce in frequency and intensity.  However, there are remedies you can take in the midst of a panic attack to reduce and dissipate symptoms quicker.  If you would like to speak to us about this in greater detail feel free to get in touch. www.solashomeopathy.com/contact.html
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Aconite
This is probably one of the best-known panic remedies.  The person will be feeling waves of fear or panic come over them.  This type of panic can come on suddenly and quickly, possibly after a shock.  The person may be afraid they are about to die and they will likely have, dry skin, dry mouth, pounding heart.
 
Arg Nit
This occurs when there is uncertainty about what will happen next.  They will feel hurried, hot and may also be craving something sweet to eat or drink.  They will feel better in fresh air and away from crowds. 
 
Arsenicum
The Arsenicum anxiety focuses on safety and what will happen in the future. They tend to worry about health, robbers, or money. To manage this anxiety, they become overly fastidious, perfectionists. They feel better in company but can become critical of others and controlling in behaviour. 
 
Gelsemium
This remedy is very useful for performance anxiety that leads to weakness of muscles. Any exertion produces trembling of the muscles – knees may knock, legs may shake and hands can tremble. They can feel paralysed by the anxiety, helpless and want to hide away.
 
Lycopodium
Those in need of Lycopodium generally suffer from stage fright or anticipation anxiety.  However, once they are on the stage they relax and can preform well.  There may be digestive upset, bloating and craving for sweet things. 

As always, please seek professional advice from either a qualified homeopath or your doctor before embarking on a new course of treatment.