Trauma anniversaries can be difficult to cope with. Whether it’s a particular day, holiday, season or month, knowing when that anniversary (or anniversaries) occurred can be helpful in creating a plan for how you will care for yourself. I created this infographic to help normalize what you may be experiencing and help you find new ways of coping.
One of my anniversaries occurred near 4th of July. Every year after that, when that holiday approached, I would become sad and weepy and wanting to isolate. For years I didn’t know that what I was experiencing was actually a common response to a trauma anniversary.
Over the years, the event has lost its emotional charge with the help of a great therapist, EMDR and my own personal growth and healing. For me, reclaiming that day and finding new meaning was so important to my journey. I used to feel broken and helpless this time of year. But now I feel strong and empowered. I got through it. I survived. I no longer think of it as a trauma anniversary, but a celebration anniversary of me and the day I left and took back my life.
