No wonder you have never heard of the "anniversary effect", although you may have experienced it without knowing that such a condition has a name. What are we talking about?
The Awareness Center, a center on psychotherapy, writes that the "anniversary effect" is a mixture of disturbing feelings, thoughts, or memories that occur on or around a date that marks an important event.You may feel sad, nervous, anxious, emotionally closed or unable to sleep etc.
It could be the birthday of a loved one you lost, the date of birth of a child who passed away, the day an attack or accident occurred. As this date approaches, bad memories begin to reappear and you will realize that you are experiencing a slightly traumatic state again.
The Awareness Center points out that some psychologists think that the "anniversary effect" should be listed as a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder, because although it is a common condition of the pain-sadness-healing process, it can indeed be boring.
The "anniversary effect" is also a signal that you have not yet recovered from the trauma and need to process or work with the condition.
As with many other psychological phenomena, the anniversary effect occurs for a reason. Research shows that the brain stores painful, sad or traumatic memories in a way that is easily accessible so we can remember and warn of the dangers of being protected from something similar that could happen again.
If you think you are experiencing such a condition, consider:
1. Take your time and be aware of the dates associated with these memories.
2. Prepare and do your best to remind yourself that you will be fine.
3. Talk about important things, about the feelings you are experiencing. Keep a notebook / diary if it helps. We all feel better when we talk. You do not have to be alone.
4. Give yourself time.
5. If you see that nothing is working and you find yourself stuck in a worrying situation, seek specialized help. It is never too late.
