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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:
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.
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.
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.
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
.
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
.
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.
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.
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