by Dr. Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman and Dr. Robert Ullman
Who Is Likely to Suffer from PTSD?
It is perfectly reasonable for anyone witnessing, surviving, or even touched by a disaster, trauma, shock, or accident to experience intense fear, insomnia, appetite loss, anxiety, despair, numbness or dissociation, and any number of physical symptoms. How long these symptoms last and how debilitating they are to an individual depends on a variety of factors including fortitude and resilience, support system, extent and proximity of loss, survival skills, physical, mental, and emotional health status prior to the event, and, perhaps most importantly, spiritual beliefs. This is a time when coping mechanisms, healthy or not, abound. Those with a predisposition to depression, anxiety, rage, substance abuse, and isolationism may be pushed over an already fragile edge. Others with deep faith, firmly rooted supported systems, and loyalty to family and country may find just the opposite to be true. Their inner strength during crisis and orientation to selfless service may be called to action now more than ever, as we have seen in so many ways.
Some experts estimate that about a third of those deeply touched by traumatic events are likely to suffer from PTSD, often for years or decades. They are plagued by relentless memories that elicit a similar level of terror as the original event. Their sympathetic nervous systems remain in a fight or flight mode, which triggers a heightened vigilance and mistrust. Phobias are common as is withdrawal, isolation, and a retreat to alcohol or drugs. Disinterest in life, disintegrating relationships, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts.
How Can Homeopathy Help PTSD?
Homeopathic remedies can be quickly, even dramatically, effective and rapid following a crisis or disaster. We recommend taking the highest potency remedy you can find: a 200C or 1M if possible, otherwise a 30C remedy repeatedly. You may need to see an experienced professional homeopath.
Rescue Remedy
This Bach Flower remedy consists of five flower essences, rather than a single substance homeopathic medicine, many people find relaxation, comfort, and diminishing of anxiety after taking Rescue Remedy. The combination consists of Rock Rose (for terror and panic), Star of Bethlehem (for shock, trauma, and grief), Cherry Plum (for the feeling of desperation and being out of control), Clematis ( for the dissociative feeling preceding fainting or loss of consciousness), and Impatiens (nervous tension and, like its name, impatience). Rescue Remedy comes in a liquid form generally taken five drops in water or in a cream that can be applied to injuries, cuts, and bruises.
It can be taken up to every couple of hours if needed and, simply put, takes the edge off. We tend to use Rescue Remedy when we are still in the process of finding the right homeopathic medicine for our patients or when they are in a panicky situation where they feel the need to take something on a more regular basis. It can be quite helpful for the floating, generalized anxiety that people are currently feeling.
Arnica
The next five remedies here are single homeopathic substances administered in pellets to pills, depending on the preparation. When you think shock, think Arnica (Leopard’s Bane). It is excellent after any shock, trauma, or accident, particularly in cases of injury with bruising, soreness, or bleeding. It can be invaluable for injuries as minor as sprains and strains and as major as automobile accidents and other severe, life-threatening injuries. One interesting characteristic of those needing Arnica is that they may refuse help, insisting they are just fine despite serious injury.
Aconite
This is the best homeopathic remedy for sudden fear of fright, regardless of the cause. We have used Aconite (Monkshood) often with patients with fear of flying, usually with good results. The underlying fear of those needing this remedy is of dying. Numerous fears, specific and generalized, fall within the scope of this medicine including claustrophobia, fear of crowds, suffocation, airplanes, heart attacks, elevators, fainting, falling, childbirth, subways, suffering, and ghosts,
Ignatia
There is no better medicine for acute grief, in many cases, than Ignatia (St. Ignatius bean). The most common homeopathic medicine for acute grief and loss, it is frequently characterized by sobbing, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, tightness or pressure in the chest, a sense of a lump in the throat, and an overwhelming sense of sadness and despair. The person may cry incessantly or, on the other hand, may demonstrate silent grief. You need not fear that taking homeopathy will rob you of your healthy grieving. To the contrary, the depth of the experience will continue as needed but the you will be able to cope with it in a more balanced and effective way.
Kali bromatum
Potassium bromate is the quintessential homeopathic medicine for survivor guilt. It is the “Why them, not me?” feeling. The tormenting remorse of having witnessed the suffering, or, more often, death of a loved one and feeling helpless to prevent it. The pervading feeling that results is guilt, self-deprecation, and, ultimately, a feeling that one is condemned to punishment in the eyes of God. A variety of physical symptoms may arise, particularly a nervous restlessness or wringing of the hands. Those needing this medicine suffer great anguish. They cannot forgive themselves and hold themselves unequivocally responsible for the death or misfortune of their near and dear. Often this state can lead to, or coexist with, obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
These are only a handful of the homeopathic remedies that may be needed. If they do not make a significant difference or if the PTSD is severe or lasting, be sure to see an experienced homeopathic practitioner.
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