Homeopathy for Back to School Anxiety

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is your child anxious about starting or going back to school? 

A bit of nervousness and anxiety about starting or going back to school is a perfectly normal reaction to what children can experience as a stressful situation. Mild nervousness tends to resolve on its own once the child has settled in soon after starting school.

If however the anxiety  is severe and chronic, homeopathy can be help resolve the anxiety and nervousness, gently and naturally. Homeopathic treatment of anxiety is personalized to each individual and not a one size fits all approach to healing. We want to find the homeopathic remedy that best matches the specifics in each case, including mental, emotional and physical symptoms.

The best matching remedy acts as a trigger to stimulate the body’s natural healing capacity; gently, naturally and without any pesky side-effects.

 

Symptoms of Anxiety and Anxiety Disorder in Children:

• Extreme nervousness
• Crying
• Anger
• Fears
• Inability to concentrate
• Poor school performance
• Sleep problems
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Stomach aches
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations

 

Anxiety in Children – Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathy is natural, gentle, safe, chemical and side effect free.

The following are some of the most common homeopathic remedies for children experiencing anxiety. The suggested remedies are for temporary (think acute) anxiety. For chronic anxiety, please consult a professional homeopath (I see all clients via Zoom or Skype). From the list of remedies below, choose the remedy that best matches your child’s symptoms. If no improvement after 3-4 doses (I usually recommend a 30c potency or lower for self-prescribing), try another remedy on the list that matches your child’s symptoms. If you are not having success with the remedies listed, your child may need a different remedy than the once listed here.

Aconitum napellus:

• A panic attack that comes on suddenly with very strong fear (even fear of death) may indicate this remedy.
• A state of immense anxiety may be accompanied by strong palpitations, shortness of breath, and flushing of the face.

Argentum nitricum:

• Anxiety develops before a big event: an exam, an important interview, a public appearance or social engagement.
• Dizziness and diarrhea may also be experienced.
• Children who need this remedy are often enthusiastic and sociable.
• They often crave sweets and salt (which usually make their symptoms worse).

Arsenicum album:

• Children who are deeply anxious about their health, and extremely concerned with order and security, often benefit from this remedy.
• Obsessive about small details and very neat, they may feel a desperate need to be in control of everything.
• Panic attacks often occur around midnight or the very early hours of the morning.
• The child may feel exhausted yet still be restless—fidgeting, pacing, and anxiously moving from place to place.

Calcarea carbonica:

• This remedy is usually indicated for dependable, solid children who become overwhelmed from lack of security and change in routine. Homebodies.
• They tend to worry about every little thing, something bad will happen to themselves or the family.. Lots of fears!
• A child who needs this remedy is often chilly and sluggish, has a craving for sweets, and is easily fatigued.

Gelsemium:

• Feelings of weakness, trembling, and mental dullness (being “paralyzed by fear”) suggest a need for this remedy. Shaking and weak legs from anticipatory anxiety.
• It is often helpful when a child has stage-fright about a public performance or interview, or feels anxious before a test, a visit to the dentist, or any stressful event.
• Chills, perspiration, diarrhea, and headaches will often occur with nervousness.

Ignatia amara:

• A sensitive child who is anxious because of grief, loss, disappointment, criticism, loneliness (or any stressful emotional experience) may benefit from this remedy.
• A defensive attitude, frequent sighing, and mood swings are other indications.
• The child may burst unexpectedly into either tears or laughter.

Kali phosphoricum:

• When a child has been exhausted by overwork or illness and feels a deep anxiety and inability to cope, this remedy may help.
• The child is jumpy and oversensitive, and may be startled by ordinary sounds.
• Hearing unpleasant news or thinking of world events can aggravate the problems.
• Insomnia and an inability to concentrate may develop, increasing the sense of nervous dread.
• Eating, warmth, and rest often bring relief.
• Headaches, backaches, and nervous digestive upsets are often seen when this remedy is needed.

Lycopodium:

• Children likely to respond to this remedy feel anxiety from mental stress and suffer from a lack of confidence.
• They can be self-conscious and feel intimidated by people they perceive as powerful, yet may also be domineering toward family or children younger than themselves.
• Taking on responsibility can cause a deep anxiety and fear of failure, although the person usually does well once they start.
• Digestive upsets with gas and bloating, and a craving for sweets are often seen when this remedy is needed.

Natrum muriaticum:

• Deep emotions and a self-protective shyness can make these children seem reserved, aloof, and private.
• Even when feeling lonely, they tend to stay away from social situations, not knowing what to say or do.
• Easily hurt and offended, they can brood, bear grudges, dwell on unhappy feelings, and isolate themselves—refusing consolation even when they want it.
• They are often sympathetic listeners to other people’s problems.
• Claustrophobia, anxiety at night (with fears of robbers or intruders), migraines, and insomnia are often seen when this remedy is needed.

Phosphorus:

• Children who need this remedy are openhearted, imaginative, excitable, easily startled, and full of intense and vivid fears.
• Strong anxiety can be triggered by thinking of almost anything.
• Nervous and sensitive to others, they can overextend themselves with sympathy to the point of feeling exhausted and “spaced out” or even getting ill.
• They want a lot of company and reassurance, often feeling better from conversation or a back-rub.
• Easy flushing of the face, palpitations, thirst, and a strong desire for cold, refreshing foods are other indications for Phosphorus.

Pulsatilla:

• Children who need this remedy often express anxiety as insecurity and clinginess, with a need for constant support and comforting.
• The child may be moody, tearful, whiny and emotionally childish.
• Getting too warm or being in a stuffy room often increases anxiety.
• Fresh air and gentle exercise often bring relief.
• Anxiety around the time of hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual periods) often is helped with Pulsatilla.

Silicea:

• Children who need this remedy are capable and serious, but are also nervous, shy and can have bouts of temporary loss of confidence.
• Anxiety can be extreme when they are faced with a public appearance, interview, examination, or any new job or task.
• Worry and overwork can bring on headaches, difficulty concentrating, and states of exhaustion and oversensitivity.
• Responsible and diligent, they often overreact and can focus on tiny details, increasing their worries.
• They often have low stamina and come down with colds, sore throats or other illnesses after working hard or being under stress.

 

If you are finding it difficult to decide on the best remedy for your child, you may want to book an online consultation with me. I work Internationally via Zoom and Skype video call.