"Anniversary reactions, sometimes called "anniversary grief," refer to emotional or physical distress that happens around the anniversary of a significant loss or trauma. This occurs because traumatic memories are stored differently from ordinary memories. Instead of fading, they remain strongly linked to intense emotions and sensory triggers. Over time, the date or season of the event itself can become one of those cues. Smells, sights, sounds, or even the weather can unconsciously trigger the traumatic memory and the body's alarm response."
"Sometimes, you find yourself feeling off. Maybe you're extra tired, more emotional than usual, or just not yourself. Then you check the calendar and it makes sense. It's that time of year again. The anniversary of your pregnancy loss.The due date that never arrived.The start of a fertility treatment cycle that ended in heartbreak. You didn't mark it down. You didn't plan for it. And yet, here you are, grieving all over again."
Traumatic pregnancy loss from miscarriage, stillbirth, termination for genetic reasons, or failed fertility treatments can produce intense and lasting psychological effects including grief, guilt, self-doubt, anxiety, and PTSD. Traumatic memories are often stored with strong emotional and sensory associations, so dates, seasons, smells, sights, sounds, weather, or bodily cues can unconsciously trigger anniversary reactions. Reactions may present as intrusive memories, anxiety, insomnia, physical distress, numbing, or avoidance. Invisible losses frequently go unacknowledged by others. Rituals, support groups, self-care, acknowledgment, and planning for anniversaries can help manage triggers and build resilience.
Read at Psychology Today
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