I often talk about the concept of “anniversary reactions” with my clients. This term refers to the yearly anniversary of a traumatic event or loss of some kind, and with it, the return of symptoms of grief. 

A quick Google search told me that according to psychological literature, an “anniversary reaction” is defined 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. 

I have a few of my own anniversary reactions, and with time I have found that while it’s not helpful to assume that I’ll automatically struggle certain times of year, it is very helpful to be aware that these struggles may come. I make sure that on those days (or those months) I give myself a little extra space to feel whatever emotions may come up. 

Can you relate? Do you experience increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, or anger during the time of year that your abusive relationship ended, when a specific traumatic event happened, or when a friend or family member died?

Today I’m sharing a bit about how I’m processing a current anniversary reaction of my own.

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