Thank you for coming to this resource as part of your search for support. I wish to acknowledge the serious nature of self harm and it’s impact on the family as a whole. My aim is to help with understanding and to point out the role Homeopathy can play. A homeopath ideally should be part of a team supporting a young person who self harms. I consider it essential that the correct psychological and family support is also put in place. As parents you may also benefit from the supportive role a homeopath can play.
Spotting possible self harm: Look out for any changes in your young person’s habits. They may start to wear long sleeved clothes even in hot weather and be reluctant to change in front of others. Watch for any unexplained cuts, bruises or burns particularly on covered areas of the body.
Your response: This is critical because reacting in a calm supportive way will enable the young person to reach out for future help without fear of judgement. If they feel safe, then there is a good chance they will feel safe enough to make changes. This may entail simply being present with a non judgemental and loving attitude. A hug or just being present in terms of physical support can be of enormous value.
What to say: Try to say very positive things such as ‘that sounds like a lot you are coping with’, or ‘I can understand why you might feel like that’. Try not to be an analyst, leave that to the professionals - just be a loving parent or friend.
Safety: Remove razor blades, pencil sharpeners, scissors and medications from reach.
Healthy coping strategies: I suggest writing, drawing, listening to music, walking or counting backwards and agreeing in advance what your young person would like you to do if they need help. It is often helpful to choose a signal or a sign your young person can give you when they are struggling but cannot find the words. Perhaps a special pebble or a drawing could be chosen, this can be something you choose or make together. This is a process to undertake when things are feeling calm.
If you feel you cannot cope and are fearful for your child’s health you must get professional help. Don’t try to tackle this issue alone. You may do more harm than good.
Homeopathy: We only suggest using homeopathic remedies at home if there is an acute situation of panic and distress. Remedies such as Aconite, Argentum nitrate, Arsenicum and Gelsemium can be calming but long term constitutional care is required to understand the emotions which underlie this issue and to build a relationship of trust. I have found that the relationship between homeopath and young person is very different from and therefore complimentary to their experience with other health professionals. My approach is centred on compassionate listening and observation. Reflective processes and Mindfulness form part of my relationship with my clients.
Helpful homeopathic remedies:
Aconite - when there is acute, sudden, intense fear, shock and anxiety. There can be an overwhelming fear of death, restlessness, fear of leaving the house, of crowds, of the dark, inconsolable anxiety with spells of rage. Music is unbearable and company is preferred. An unusual symptom is that parts of the body feel unusually thick.
Argentum nitrate - also useful in panic attacks, the feeling here is more centred around apprehension, fear that everything undertaken will fail. Many fears and phobias; of heights, flying, dark, impending evil, failure, loss of control, projecting corners of buildings. There is a desire to talk, a tendency to weep and to feel lost beyond hope. We often see obstinacy, a feeling of being despised and occasionally suicidal thoughts. Don't be afraid to talk about these feelings when there is a calm and appropriately safe moment.
Arsenicum - extreme nervousness and anxiety, restlessness and fastidiousness. Weeping and clingy, deep insecurities and fears. in particular about health, the future, death, of being left alone, that something may have happened to members of the family. Melancholy, despair of recovery and a need to be held. Hair pulling, nail biting and tearing at their body. Sensitivity to order, dirt, germs. Demanding, and domineering.
Gelsemium - dull, apathetic, exhausted, depression with a desire to be alone. Easily roused to anger, a fear of doctors, of losing control, an impulse to jump from a height yet fear of falling. Mental exertion brings a feeling of helplessness and weakness. Triggered by bad news, grief, fright and often accompanied by trembling, heaviness and weakness.
I welcome you to a free chat - please come and talk things through with me. You are under no obligation to book in for long term support but you may find it helpful to speak to an experienced professional at this point.
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