HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR GRIEF

Grief is a strong, sometimes overwhelming emotion for people, regardless of whether their sadness stems from the loss of a loved one or from a terminal diagnosis they or someone they love have received.

They might find themselves feeling numb and removed from daily life, unable to carry on with regular duties while saddled with their sense of loss.

Grief is the natural reaction to loss. Grief is both a universal and a personal experience. Individual experiences of grief vary and are influenced by the nature of the loss. Some examples of loss include the death of a loved one, the ending of an important relationship, job loss, loss through theft or the loss of independence through disability.

Experts advise those grieving to realize they can't control the process and to prepare for varying stages of grief. Understanding why they're suffering can help, as can talking to others and trying to resolve issues that cause significant emotional pain, such as feeling guilty for a loved one's death.

Mourning can last for months or years. Generally, pain is tempered as time passes and as the bereaved adapts to life without a loved one, to the news of a terminal diagnosis or to the realization that someone they love may die.

All, keep in mind — all people grieve differently. Some people will wear their emotions on their sleeve and be outwardly emotional. Others will experience their grief more internally, and may not cry. You should try and not judge how a person experiences their grief, as each person will experience it differently.

1. Denial & Isolation

The first reaction to learning about the terminal illness, loss, or death of a cherished loved one is to deny the reality of the situation. “This isn’t happening, this can’t be happening,” people often think. It is a normal reaction to rationalize overwhelming emotions. It is a defense mechanism that buffers the immediate shock of the loss. We block out the words and hide from the facts. This is a temporary response that carries us through the first wave of pain.

2. Anger

As the masking effects of denial and isolation begin to wear, reality and its pain re-emerge. We are not ready. The intense emotion is deflected from our vulnerable core, redirected and expressed instead as anger. The anger may be aimed at inanimate objects, complete strangers, friends or family. Anger may be directed at our dying or deceased loved one. Rationally, we know the person is not to be blamed. Emotionally, however, we may resent the person for causing us pain or for leaving us. We feel guilty for being angry, and this makes us more angry.

The doctor who diagnosed the illness and was unable to cure the disease might become a convenient target. Health professionals deal with death and dying every day. That does not make them immune to the suffering of their patients or to those who grieve for them.

Do not hesitate to ask your doctor to give you extra time or to explain just once more the details of your loved one’s illness. Arrange a special appointment or ask that he telephone you at the end of his day. Ask for clear answers to your questions regarding medical diagnosis and treatment. Understand the options available to you. Take your time.

3. Bargaining

The normal reaction to feelings of helplessness and vulnerability is often a need to regain control–

• If only we had sought medical attention sooner…
• If only we got a second opinion from another doctor…
• If only we had tried to be a better person toward them…

Secretly, we may make a deal with God or our higher power in an attempt to postpone the inevitable. This is a weaker line of defense to protect us from the painful reality.

4. Depression

Two types of depression  are associated with mourning. The first one is a reaction to practical implications relating to the loss. Sadness and regret predominate this type of depression. We worry about the costs and burial. We worry that, in our grief, we have spent less time with others that depend on us. This phase may be eased by simple clarification and reassurance. We may need a bit of helpful cooperation and a few kind words.

The second type of depression is more subtle and, in a sense, perhaps more private. It is our quiet preparation to separate and to bid our loved one farewell. Sometimes all we really need is a hug.

5. Acceptance

Reaching this stage of mourning is a gift not afforded to everyone. Death may be sudden and unexpected or we may never see beyond our anger or denial. It is not necessarily a mark of bravery to resist the inevitable and to deny ourselves the opportunity to make our peace. This phase is marked by withdrawal and calm. This is not a period of happiness and must be distinguished from depression.

Loved ones that are terminally ill or aging appear to go through a final period of withdrawal. This is by no means a suggestion that they are aware of their own impending death or such, only that physical decline may be sufficient to produce a similar response. Their behavior implies that it is natural to reach a stage at which social interaction is limited. The dignity and grace shown by our dying loved ones may well be their last gift to us.

Coping with loss is ultimately a deeply personal and singular experience — nobody can help you go through it more easily or understand all the emotions that you’re going through. But others can be there for you and help comfort you through this process. The best thing you can do is to allow yourself to feel the grief as it comes over you. Resisting it only will prolong the natural process of healing.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

IGNATIA AMARA 200-Ignatia is one of the top remedies for grief. Ignatia is best  when a person’s acute response to grief is to weep.  The keynote is that the weeping comes in bursts that the person will try and control.  You might see only tears in the eyes.  A person in the Ignatia state feels shattered inside from disappointment, disappointed love, fright or bad news.  They can be worried inside however they will try and present a composed front to others.  They may sighing  and sobbing   a lot and also have a sensation of a lump in their throat.

AURUM METALLICUM 200-Aurum met.is effective remedy for depression leading to sadness and grief.Aurummetallicum patients  are very serious people, strongly focussed on work and achievement, who become depressed if they feel they have failed in some way. Nervous breakdown.Thinks of committing suicide but fears death greatly.Disgusted of life and thoughts.Profound despondency.Peevish.Rapid and constant questioning without waiting for answers. Oversensitive to noise.Discouragement, self – reproach, humiliation and anger can lead to feelings of emptiness and worthlessness. The person may feel worse at night with nightmares or insomnia.

NATRUM MURIATICUM 200—Natrum mur is prescribed when the person’s response to grief is irritable outbursts over small things.  These people will not cry in front of others at all or perhaps feel like they would like to cry and it won’t come.  They need to be alone to cry as they are very private. Consolation aggravates her complaints. There can be deep sadness extending into a mildly depressed state.  Nat mur  is about the making and breaking of relationships.  The person may feel betrayed, alone and like they really need some nurturing.  However a Nat mur person will not let on often that they feel like this. They might have difficulty going to sleep as they tend to mull over past events, old hurts and conversations at night while in bed.

PHOSPHORIC ACID 200-Phosphoric acid is another excellent remedy for sadness and grief.  People who need Phosphoric Acid are often exhausted and debilitated within their mind and body since a traumatic event.  Normally the grief or trauma involves feeling isolated in communication with loved ones.  This can be after discord or it might be simply being in a different city or country from loved ones and not being able to pick up the phone and have conversations with loved ones as much as they might like.  They will often not sleep very well due to worry and anxiety about loved ones and may also have crushing or vice-like headaches.  They will have difficulty gathering their thoughts or finding the right word almost as if the pathways in their brain are not seeming to connect properly.

ARSENICUM ALBUM 200-Arsenicum album is one of the top remedies for depression and sadness. Arsenic patient express sadness, restlessness and fear.Anxious , insecure and  perfectionistic people who need this remedy may set high standards for themselves and others and become depressed it their expectations are not met. Depression on account of a hidden feeling or guilt.Worry about material security sometimes borders on despair. When feeling ill , these people can be demanding and dependent, even suspicious of others , fearing their conditions could be serious.Arsenic patients thinks that it is useless to take medicines for his depression.

AURUM METALLICUM 200-Aurum met.is effective remedy for depression leading to sadness and grief.Aurummetallicum patients  are very serious people, strongly focussed on work and achievement, who become depressed if they feel they have failed in some way. Nervous breakdown.Thinks of committing suicide but fears death greatly.Disgusted of life and thoughts.Profound despondency.Peevish.Rapid and constant questioning without waiting for answers. Oversensitive to noise.Discouragement, self – reproach, humiliation and anger can lead to feelings of emptiness and worthlessness. The person may feel worse at night with nightmares or insomnia.

CAUSTICUM 200- A person who feels depressed because of grief and loss either recent or over time, may benefit from this remedy. Frequent crying or a feeling of mental dullness and forgetfulness with anxious checking to see if the door is locked, if the stove is off, etc. are other indications.They are often deeply sympathetic towards others and having a strong sense of justice , can be deeply discouraged  or angry about the world.

COCCULUS INDICUS 200- Cocculus persons are sad and weepy person who is sensitive and easily offended. They dread every new piece of news and does not like to be contradicted.

PULSATILLA NIG. 200-Pulsatilla is effective for grief and depression due to hormonal changes. Pulsatilla persons have a childlike softness and sensibility, and can also be whiny, jealous, and moody. When depressed they are sad and tearful, wanting a lot of attention and comforting. Crying, fresh air, and gentle exercise usually improve their mood. Getting too warm or being in a stuffy room can increase anxiety.