Table of Contents

Part I: What is An Anniversary Reaction?

Why Can’t I Just Forget What Happened?
What Triggers an Anniversary Reaction?
Who Is Likely to Feel an Anniversary?

Personal Loss or Trauma
Large Scale Disaster

Why Is This Anniversary Affecting Me?
How Long Do These Emotions Last?
Does Going Through the Pain Again Really Help?
How Will Things Improve as I Pass Through the Anniversary?

Part II: Navigating the Actual Anniversary

What Does the Anniversary Reaction Look Like?

Possible Physical Manifestations
Possible Emotional Reactions
Possible Behaviors
Possible Mental Manifestations
Possible Psychological Indicators
Possible Spiritual Indicators
Possible Shifts in How You See Yourself
Possible Ramifications in Your Relationships
Possible Ramifications at Work
Possible Positive Emotions

What Can I Do About the Anniversary? What Helps?

As the Anniversary Approaches
On The Day of the Anniversary
After the Anniversary

Part III: Getting and Giving Support around Anniversaries

Getting Support during Times of Anniversaries
When to Reach Out for Support
How to Find Professional Support
Giving Support to Those Experiencing Anniversaries

About Carol McClelland Fields, PhD