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A sudden traumatic event such as a terrorist act, natural disaster, car accident, death or assault makes us feel vulnerable. Understanding how an experience like this might impact us is a major part of coping with the trauma. People who experience a traumatic event may experience any number of symptoms as the body and mind try to cope with the impact and meaning of the event. Individual symptoms may include denial, shock, numbness, feeling unsafe and vulnerable, anxiety, panic, worry, loss of concentration, withdrawal, flashbacks, headaches, upset stomach, fatigue, sleeplessness, sadness, anger, loss of appetite, or feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.

Following a traumatic event, it is natural to experience one or more of the above symptoms. If the symptoms persist or feel overwhelming for more than a month, it is important to seek professional help. For many, as time goes on and with the support of family and friends, symptoms will gradually subside. It is natural that after a traumatic event, you might find yourself thinking about life in a new way or find that your priorities in life have changed.

Without our being aware of it, our mind and body have a way of marking a point in time. When you think about it, you recognize that each season has its own amount of daylight, average temperature, activities and associated sounds. Your own activities and schedule may vary with the season. As the calendar comes around to the anniversary of a traumatic event, a whole set of automatic and unconscious physiological and psychological triggers become activated. For example, if you were assaulted one October night, the feel of a sweater on a cool night may trigger some discomfort or panic. If your parent died in early June, the fresh spring smells or chirping birds may prompt a reaction of sadness.

Events filled with intense emotions are often the moments we remember most. Since traumatic events are emotionally intense, the anniversary of the event can trigger some of the same emotions you experienced during the initial event. These emotions may include some of those listed above.

The Anniversary Effect is a common and normal response. To some degree, around the anniversary date, you may continue to experience some symptoms following a traumatic event. After a traumatic event, many people rethink their lives and life’s priorities. As a result, they may make some very fundamental life changes that reflect a change in values. The one year anniversary is an opportunity for you to measure your progress. Use the anniversary to look back one year and see the changes you made, how you have processed and coped with the events and how you have healed.

Since some reoccurrence of the symptoms is not unusual, there are a number of things you can do for yourself as the anniversary date of the traumatic event approaches.

• Plan ahead

• Stay well rested, eat well and exercise

• Talk about your memories and how you feel

• Use humor

• Do something special

• Find a creative outlet

• Make the day special with family or friends

• Turn to family and friends for support and comfort

• Take extra care of yourself

If your symptoms persist or worsen, you should seek professional help. The Maine State Employee Assistance Program counselors are available to help you or a family member who wants to better cope with a traumatic event or crisis. For a free, confidential appointment with an EAP counselor or for further information, you may call at anytime, 1-800-451-1834.