Anniversary Reactions to a Traumatic Event: The Recovery Process Continues
As the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event approaches, many survivors
report a return of restlessness and fear. Psychological literature calls it the
anniversary reaction and defines it as an individual's response to unresolved
grief resulting from significant losses. The anniversary reaction can involve
several days or even weeks of anxiety, anger, nightmares, flashbacks,
depression, or fear.
On a more positive note, the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event also
can provide an opportunity for emotional healing. Individuals can make
significant progress in working through the natural grieving process by
recognizing, acknowledging, and paying attention to the feelings and issues
that surface during their anniversary reaction. These feelings and issues can
help individuals develop perspective on the event and figure out where it fits
in their hearts, minds, and lives.
It is important to note that not all survivors of a disaster or traumatic event
experience an anniversary reaction. Those who do, however, may be troubled
because they did not expect and do not understand their reaction. For these
individuals, knowing what to expect in advance may be helpful. Common
anniversary reactions among survivors of a disaster or traumatic event include:
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Memories, Dreams, Thoughts, and Feelings:
Individuals may replay memories, thoughts, and feelings about the event, which
they can't turn off. They may see repeated images and scenes associated with
the trauma or relive the event over and over. They may have recurring dreams or
nightmares. These reactions may be as vivid on the anniversary as they were at
the actual time of the disaster or traumatic event.
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Grief and Sadness:
Individuals may experience grief and sadness related to the loss of income,
employment, a home, or a loved one. Even people who have moved to new homes
often feel a sense of loss on the anniversary. Those who were forced to
relocate to another community may experience intense homesickness for their old
neighborhoods.
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Fear and Anxiety:
Fear and anxiety may resurface around the time of the anniversary, leading to
jumpiness, startled responses, and vigilance about safety. These feelings may
be particularly strong for individuals who are still working through the
grieving process.
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Frustration, Anger, and Guilt:
The anniversary may reawaken frustration and anger about the disaster or
traumatic event. Survivors may be reminded of the possessions, homes, or loved
ones they lost; the time taken away from their lives; the frustrations with
bureaucratic aspects of the recovery process; and the slow process of
rebuilding and healing. Individuals may also experience guilt about survival.
These feelings may be particularly strong for individuals who are not fully
recovered financially and emotionally.
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Avoidance:
Some survivors try to protect themselves from experiencing an anniversary
reaction by avoiding reminders of the event and attempting to treat the
anniversary as just an ordinary day. Even for these people, it can be helpful
to learn about common reactions that they or their loved ones may encounter, so
they are not surprised if reactions occur.
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Remembrance:
Many survivors welcome the cleansing tears, commemoration, and fellowship that
the anniversary of the event offers. They see it as a time to honor the memory
of what they have lost. They might light a candle, share favorite memories and
stories, or attend a worship service.
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Reflection:
The reflection brought about by the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic
event is often a turning point in the recovery process. It is an opportunity
for people to look back over the past year, recognize how far they have come,
and give themselves credit for the challenges they surmounted. It is a time for
survivors to look inward and to recognize and appreciate the courage, stamina,
endurance, and resourcefulness that they and their loved ones showed during the
recovery process. It is a time for people to look around and pause to
appreciate the family members, friends, and others who supported them through
the healing process. It is also a time when most people can look forward with a
renewed sense of hope and purpose.
Although these thoughts, feelings, and reactions can be very upsetting, it
helps to understand that it is normal to have strong reactions to a disaster or
traumatic event and its devastation many months later. Recovery from a disaster
or traumatic event takes time, and it requires rebuilding on many levels -
physically, emotionally, and spiritually. However, with patience,
understanding, and support from family members and friends, you can emerge from
a disaster or traumatic event stronger than before.
If you are still having trouble coping, ask for help. Consult a counselor or
mental health professional. In the workplace, you may be able to get assistance
from your human resources department or your company's Employee Assistance
Program.