Anniversary reaction in psychological trauma

In these days as we approach the anniversary of the February 6 earthquake, an increase in psychological complaints is being observed in people who experienced the earthquake directly or indirectly. These complaints, which had decreased for a long time, have recurred. Specialist Psychologist and Psychotherapist Azize Yakut Okay made statements regarding the reasons for this.

DEPRESSION AND PTSD

Disasters like earthquakes lead to serious psychological trauma in individuals. Explaining what psychological trauma is, Azize Yakut Okay said, "Psychological trauma refers to the effects left on a person's psyche by events such as death, loss, abuse, accidents, illness, or disasters. One of the most common disorders we see after psychological traumas is Depression and PTSD. So, what are the symptoms of these disorders? 

Fear, anxiety, helplessness, anger, a state of hyperarousal, disruption in sleep patterns, disruption in appetite, inability to maintain daily routines, flashbacks of the event—that is, re-experiencing the event—and a loss of trust are the most common symptoms we see. Speaking specifically about the earthquake, we often see behavioral reactions in people who consult us, such as an alarm state—that is, a state of hyperarousal—a feeling of swaying, and frequently calling and checking on their relatives. 

While talking about trauma, it is necessary to explain the concepts of primary and secondary trauma. Primary trauma refers to an event or situation that a person is directly exposed to; secondary trauma refers to an event or situation that a person experiences or witnesses indirectly, and the psychological reactions they give to it. People who have been exposed to trauma secondarily can also exhibit symptoms of avoidance, hyperarousal, and re-experiencing, just like the people in the event they witnessed.

So, why are earthquake survivors who experienced the earthquake directly and suffered losses, as well as those exposed to secondary trauma—that is, people who witnessed this situation on TV or by going to the region to help—facing an increase in psychological complaints during this period? 

ANNIVERSARY REACTION IN PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA

Actually, this situation has a name: anniversary reaction in psychological trauma. Just as there are anniversaries of beautiful moments like weddings, birthdays, and first meetings that we look forward to with excitement, unfortunately, there are also anniversaries of events that deeply shake us. Anniversary reactions are actually psychological reactions that develop one or a few weeks before and after the anniversary of the traumatic event.

As that date approaches, the person begins to re-experience the moments they lived through during that period. This is valid not only for the earthquake but also when the death anniversary of a loved one we lost approaches. 

Memories from the last period we spent with them come alive. Their final reactions, the conversations you had, their last appearance, and your own grief reactions from that period come alive again. These reactions are actually not a regression, but a natural and necessary part of the healing and recovery process," she said.

BEWARE OF 'RE-EXPERIENCING'

Okay continued her words as follows: "Re-experiencing is at the forefront of the psychological markers seen on the anniversary of psychological trauma; memories, dreams, emotions, and thoughts related to the event we experienced or the person we lost increase, and we cannot stop ourselves from thinking about those moments. We experience the grief of the unfinished stories of our lost loved ones, what they liked, and the inability to get used to their absence. We find ourselves thinking about things we haven't thought about for a very long time. 

We might hear those around us, our children, starting to talk about the earthquake, for example. We may experience scenes of memories. We may have physical reactions, such as pain, numbness, or a feeling of tightness. We may experience helplessness, anxiety, a state of hyperarousal, sadness, inability to maintain daily routines, and disruptions in sleep and eating patterns. As I just mentioned, these are not a regression, but a natural and necessary part of our soul's healing and recovery process as the anniversary approaches."

"IT SHOULD BE KNOWN THAT IT IS A TEMPORARY PROCESS"

Emphasizing what should be done to cope with the situation, Okay said, "First of all, we need to know that this is a temporary process. We should increase our communication with people we love and who give us a sense of security; being together always has a healing power. We should take advantage of this. Having social support is very important in building a sense of safety for the person. 

We should express our emotions and the thoughts that cross our minds; feeling understood by someone reduces stress levels. Knowing that others are going through the same processes and feeling like you belong to a group reduces avoidance reactions and increases the sense of continuity.

Adhering to daily routines; not disrupting the routine at work, school, and home is also essential for feeling safe. Such as sleep, eating, and entry-exit times. Psychological functioning likes and prefers routine, so being able to maintain daily functioning during such periods is one of the most important steps of healing. Benefiting from daylight and being physically active positively affects mental health. It reduces depressive symptoms," she stated.

EFFECTIVE METHOD FOR TRAUMAS

Okay concluded her words as follows: "At the point where all these are not enough, it is necessary to get support from an expert. The EMDR therapy technique is a short-term and highly effective method for traumatic experiences. EMDR is a physiologically based therapy that allows for the processing of such traumatic, isolated memories. As a result of bilateral stimulation of the brain, it enables the brain to perform the memory storage process that it could not do at the time. 

It makes it possible to establish a relationship between the locked memory and other memory networks, ensuring learning and allowing information to be stored in an adaptive way. As a result of the processing, the person does not feel discomfort from the traumatic memory and sees the traumatic memory from a new and healthy perspective. 

With therapy, not only do traumatic reactions and symptoms disappear. The positive beliefs, thoughts, and emotions gained by the new perspective also positively change the person's view of themselves, their relationships, and the world, contributing to their personal development.

Remember, growth and healing after a difficulty occur first through acceptance, and then through developing meaningful perspectives."