Anxiety and sadness may increase on anniversary of a traumatic event
Anniversary dates of traumatic events can reactivate thoughts and feelings from the actual event, and survivors may experience peaks of anxiety and depression, according to psychologist Susan Silk, PhD, of APA\\\'s Disaster Response Network. Around the anniversary of a traumatic event, people are likely to remember events clearly and many will feel emotions more intensely than usual. Reliving the sadness is a very natural part of the healing process. But there is no one \right way to heal. Try not to compare your reactions to those of others. Each person is different, and each individual will find his or her own way of coping with the memories. Some of the reactions those affected may experience as the anniversary date nears include difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, irritable outbursts, nightmares, difficulty falling or staying asleep and feelings of detachment from others. APA offers the following coping strategies to help people through traumatic anniversaries:
Recognize and acknowledge feelings you may experience. Understand that your feelings are part of the recovery process.
Find healthy ways to cope with your distress. Share memories and feelings with someone you trust or just spend time with friends and family. Activities that allow your mind to focus on something other than these memories (…)
Engage ∈ an activity that honors lost loved ones. You may want to plant a tree ∈ their memory, make a donation to their favorite charity, participate ∈ activities your loved onewould have enjoyed or share happy memories with others. Consider volunteering; you may find that helping others actually helps you.
Use your support system. Reach out to friends and family. Don’t isolate yourself.
Disponível em: <http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/anniversary.aspx>. Acesso em: 15 set.2014
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