| 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.
|
