The Anniversary Effect

The "Anniversary Effect," also known as an "Anniversary Reaction," refers to a unique set of unsettling feelings, thoughts, or memories that occur on the anniversary of a significant experience. These experiences could include the loss of a loved one, traumatic events like accidents, natural disasters, or personal milestones. The reaction can be traced to specific dates or seasons, such as the birthday of a deceased person, the date of an accident, or a time reminiscent of a particular life event, like divorce.

The Origin and Effects

The Anniversary Effect is seen as a key symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is a form of reactivity to trauma-related cues, which can be both anticipated and linked to a recurring moment in time. These anniversaries can be publicly shared trauma reminders, like the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, or private ones, such as the death of a loved one.

Empirical studies of recurring traumatic reminders are rare, but the available research suggests that the Anniversary Effect is quite common.

 The Anniversary Effect can trigger a wide range of psychological and physiological responses. It can lead to heightened distress, survival responses, intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, emotional numbing, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Physically, it has been linked to events like cardiac issues and other health problems. For instance, a study found that bereaved mothers had an increased chance of dying from cardiovascular-related events during the anniversary week of their child's death.

Coping with the Anniversary Effect

There are several ways to cope with the Anniversary Effect:

Preparation

Acknowledging the potential for an anniversary reaction and planning can help mitigate its impact. Anniversary reactions represent normal reactions to grief unfolding over time, offering opportunities for growth or positive change.

Commemoration

Engaging in activities that honor the memory or significance of the date can be empowering. Rather than trying to ignore those days or distracting oneself, it can be a healing experience to set time aside to remember and to mourn. Many cultures suggest ritualized activities to commemorate a dead person, often in the presence of family members and friends. Not being alone, engaging with others who also remember the loved one (or a specific tragic event), can be a tremendous support.

Acknowledgment of Temporariness

Knowing that these reactions are usually temporary can provide relief. Understanding that this is a natural reaction and what triggers it, does not take away the pain of loss or the trauma of an event. It provides, however, an explanation and a frame of reference that can have a calming effect.

Awareness of the 'Birthday Effect'

Being mindful of other significant dates that may also trigger reactions. Not only a loved one’s death anniversary might be triggering, but also their birthday or significant holidays that were spent together.

Seeking Support

Finding therapy or support groups can be crucial for managing these reactions. Depending on the type of trauma/loss, individual therapy or group support can help process emotions and the feeling of being overwhelmed. Therapists can assist clients in understanding and anticipating anniversary reactions, identifying factors leading to distress, and preparing coping strategies. Support groups bring together individuals who share specific experiences and offer a non-judgemental space to engage and support each other in the healing process. Public anniversaries, on occasion of an event that affected entire communities, offer a chance for communal sharing, collective experience, and social support, which can be particularly meaningful in responding to racially related trauma.