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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:
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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