Dealing With Back-To-School (or Work) Jitters

For many years, my son Izaak always needed a visit to the homeopath at the start of a school year. As an intrinsically anxious kid, the back-to-school period was always difficult for him as he adjusted to new classes or a new school.

Of course, the remedy that always helped Izaak the most was his constitutional remedy — the remedy that was selected to match him overall. Because his tendency to be anxious in new situations was an element of his overall state, it made sense that a remedy selected based on this characteristic, along with his other physical, emotional, and mental symptoms, was the most helpful for him.

However, there are times when nearly anyone can become anxious or nervous — for example, when we have to give a presentation or speech. Luckily, there are homeopathic remedies that can help us through. Here are three common remedies that you might find helpful when anticipatory stress gets the better of you.

Gelsemium Semperivirens

Gelsemium, one of the primary remedies for flu, is also an important remedy for anticipatory anxiety. Maybe that’s why many of us get the flu when we’re under stress! The keynote of Gelsemium is trembling and weakness. A person needing this remedy will feel paralyzed and will want to be left alone. They may feel weak and dizzy, with a heavy feeling. Gelsemium can also be helpful when a deep fatigue comes on after a prolonged period of fear, anticipation, or mental effort.

Argentum Nitricum

The remedy Argentum Nitricum, in contrast, has a very different picture. The person needing this remedy is jittery and hurried. They may have anxious diarrhea and will want to talk to other people about what’s bothering them. Some other keynotes of Argentum Nitricum are a fear of heights and a love of salty and sweet things.

Aconitum Napellus

Another remedy to consider in acute situations, especially when fear is involved, is Aconite. This remedy presents a truly panicky picture, with fear of death, sudden panic attacks, extreme restlessness, and a hot feeling. Interestingly, Aconite is also a key remedy for colds that come on suddenly from fright or cold air.

If you decide to take a remedy for anticipatory anxiety, a 30c potency is a good place to start. Remember to  take only as needed.  The remedy should help after one or two doses, and once your symptoms do improve, only redose if symptoms return. As always, it is best to consult with your homeopath, since taking this or any other remedy might interfere with your overall treatment. And if anxiety is a general problem for you, constitutional treatment will be the best solution in the long run.