Hello all! I firstly want to apologize to everyone because it has been quite some time since I have posted. I suffered a severe concussion, which I am still recovering from. This has greatly restricted my ability to write and to look at screens. I am happy to be back to posting and hopefully well on my way to a solid recovery. Today I want to bring your attention to the concept of the anniversary effect.
This topic is very near and dear to me given the time of year that it is. Tomorrow is the 1-year anniversary of the last time that I saw my ex-husband, as well as the one of when he assaulted me many times. We are also nearing 1 year since I ran away from my home, never to see it again. It is also interesting, because this anniversary is the same day as my brother’s wedding anniversary.
What is the Anniversary Effect?
This term refers to an increase in distress that occurs around the same time of year/date of a particular trauma. Some people may find that they are feeling down for a day or two surrounding the date of the event. Others may have more severe reactions in which they experience intense flashbacks or develop psychiatric or medical symptoms.
I typically have fairly mild symptoms in which I feel sad, anxious, or unsure. I do also experience an increase of flashbacks or find myself visualizing events that happened on a specific day and things that were said at that time.
Getting Through These Moments
It is important to remember that these anniversaries are difficult to experience and that we have to be able to give ourselves grace surrounding the dates of major traumatic events. You are not alone. As you are going through these difficult days, it is important to take care of yourself. Make sure that you are getting as much sleep as possible, eat what you are capable of, and don’t forget to drink water. Take moments to do things that you enjoy. Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist. You are strong and you will make it through these tough moments. Even those these moments are hard, there are good times to be had in the future too. I promise.
