Support for grief and loss
21 April 2020 at 22:37
Homeopathic support for grief and loss
Loss is part of the human experience; an inevitable, if uncomfortable bedfellow of love. For whatever we love, we can also lose. Homeopathy can help support us through the toughest of times.
We usually associate grief with the death of a loved one. Yet feelings of grief can be triggered by many different situations, such as losing a job, moving house, a relationship breakdown. Even moving through different life stages can sometimes bring about a sense of loss as we transition out of childhood for example, confront the menopause, or come to terms with children flying the nest.
Just as the causes of grief are manifold, so too are our responses. In fact, it is widely accepted that there are five different stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. These don’t necessarily manifest in a specific order, and some stages may be felt intensely, others not at all. But being able to identify and frame the range of emotions that we experience can be helpful as we move through the grieving process.
Whilst difficult and sometimes overwhelming, these emotions are a natural and normal response to loss. However, if we don’t have the opportunity to properly acknowledge and process these feelings, our longer-term health and well-being might start to suffer. And it’s not only our emotional health that can be affected; physical symptoms are also common during periods of mourning. Difficulty sleeping, reduced appetite, fatigue, and nausea can all feature as part of a grief response.
Conventional support for symptoms associated with the grieving process usually involves sedatives, anti-depressants or painkillers. But these tend to simply mask the issues and may lead to unwanted side effects or even a dependency on medication.
Homeopathy offers a safe and gentle option, providing support for the toughest of times.
Of course, it can’t bring back what we mourn, but it can help to stimulate our own ability to process the loss, accept and honour it, and allow us to gently step into a life post-loss.
Ignatia
This is one of the first remedies to consider after a significant loss and when grief is prolonged or stuck. Someone requiring ignatia will find it hard to talk about their loss, preferring to be alone where they may weep uncontrollably. If the grief remains unexpressed, there may be a sensation of a lump in the throat, with episodes of sighing, sobbing and angry outbursts over little things. Over the longer term, physical problems may arise such as headaches, nervous complaints such as tics, anxiety and digestive issues.
Phosphoric acid
A Phosphoric acid picture is more likely to be seen after the initial stages of grief have passed and the long term reality of dealing with a loss has set in. The bereaved feels isolated and unable to communicate because of an extreme lack of energy. There is exhaustion and indifference. Yet despite feeling tired, sleep does not come easily due to worry and anxiety about loved ones. Other accompanying symptoms may include a crushing headache and a difficulty in staying focused.
Pulsatilla
Pulsatilla can help when the loss leaves someone feeling alone and forsaken. There is a sense of abandonment and with this comes an emotional, weepy and distressed state. Someone in need of Pulsatilla will seek comfort, sympathy and support from others. They want to be looked after, hugged and held. There may be mood swings and they will feel better for fresh air.
Nat mur
This remedy is useful when there is deep sadness after a painful loss such as a breakdown of a relationship, especially when emotions are suppressed. Unlike Pulsatilla, Nat mur types are closed and private, holding on to their emotions and preferring to be left alone to weep. They don’t want a fuss and are likely to feel worse if others offer consolation. They feel deeply hurt and betrayed and dwell on past painful events which makes it harder to fall asleep at night.
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For an individualised prescription and best results, please consult a professional homeopath. Find a practitioner near you at: findahomeopath.org
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Posted in Homeopathy | Health | Remedies | Mental health