How to bounce back after an emotional shock

One minute you feel fine, next second you’ve received a piece of news that shocks you to the core and you feel like you’ve been punched in the stomach. Emotional shocks can come out of nowhere and can range anything like the death of a loved one, a relationship break-up, a heated exchange with a friend, news of redundancy or even your handbag being stolen. Emotional shocks can affect us physically as well; we might feel shaky, sick, angry, tearful or even revengeful.

Below are some of my favourite remedies for emotional shock that I use regularly in my practice.  If the remedies match with the symptoms you’re experiencing, it’s good to start in the 30c potency and take every half an hour until symptoms improve. However if your trauma is more chronic, dates back to childhood or a dark place in your past, I advise you to seek the help of a qualified homeopath who will be able to help gently undo the layers and have a vast repertoire of remedies to choose from to help your individual needs.

Aconite:  This is very good for sudden fright and ailments from strong emotions.  If you find yourself trembling after an emotional exchange with someone, Aconite will soothe you and bring you back to a centred place quite quickly.  It is great for fear, anxiety and worry.  This remedy is also useful to alleviate the instant response of intense fear.

Stramonium: I have given this in my clinic when clients have been a victim or threatened with violence or robbery and have been traumatised afterwards.  A person who needs Stramonium will be fearful of the violent event happening again and may be so anxious that they will not want to leave the house.  They will not want to be alone and may have difficulty sleeping, as they feel fearful.

Pulsatilla: This remedy is brilliant when you suffer with the feeling of abandonment.  Your anxiety can show as becoming clingy and tearful easily and you dislike being on your own. This state could be brought on by a relationship breakdown, or perhaps all your flatmates have all gone on holiday and you feel left behind and abandoned.

Staphysagria: This is one of my favourite remedies. If you have feelings of deep anger and indignation after a hurtful act that violates your boundaries, then consider this remedy.  It’s likely you will either not feel able to express it or you will respond very angrily to perceived insults.  This is one remedy to consider after an assault or for mothers who have had a difficult birth and had to endure an instrumental delivery or other invasive procedure such as a C-section that was not wanted – even though it may have been necessary.  In both cases, the person may complain of sharp, smarting pains in the genital area and/or in surgical incisions.

Ignatia: This remedy is great for 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 sigh a lot and also have a sensation of a lump in their throat.

Bach Rescue Remedy: If in doubt, you can try Rescue Remedy. It is made up of a five individual flower essences that help you cope in balancing life’s ups and downs.

• Rock Rose is used for terror and panic
• Impatiens addresses irritation and impatience
• Clematis is for inattentiveness and a lack of focus
• Star of Bethlehem is for shock
• Cherry Plum helps with irrational thoughts and a lack of self control

Other ways to help

Find some way to express your feelings of shock even if you don’t feel like talking about it. Try keeping a journal, painting a picture, screaming at the top of your voice or simply having a good cry.

Exercise is a great way to give your respite from a source of shock. It naturally boosts levels of serotonin, making you feel good about yourself. Try doing some form of exercise everyday for at least 30 minutes.

Form routines if you are lost and overwhelmed with shock, as they can give you structure and purpose until you are ready to start afresh.

Ask for help if you need it. Don’t be afraid to tell your friends, family or family doctor if you feel bad. Improving your connections with family and friends can make you feel more secure in hard times. You could even join an online support group to meet others in your situation.

Have you ever used homeopathic remedies to recover from shock? If so, please share your story below!

Until next time, have a happy, healthy week!

Claire Zarb LCPH
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e: claire@clairezarb.com
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