Understanding anxiety on the anniversary of the pandemic lockdown
The other night a friend told me via ‘Zoom’ that she had been hearing about people being triggered and struggling with anxiety at the anniversary of the lockdown, and are questioning why they felt this way.
Anecdotally I can tell you this renewed anxiety is real. Around the middle of November every single year for the past 11 years, I start to feel stressed out and kind of panicky. And every year in November I struggle with this anxiety until I realize ‘oh that’s why.’
Mid November of 2009 I woke up with partial paralysis after overcoming a bad stomach flu. I ended up in the hospital with a diagnosis of Guillain Barre Syndrome or GBS, a rare neurological condition, which at it’s worst point left me unable to walk, and with paralysis mostly down my left side. It took over a year of treatment to get me out of the ‘woods’, and over the next 10 years I have dealt with awful residual symptoms.
Now every November…the panic comes back. I don’t know if it’s the ‘smell’ of the season, the types of clothes that I’m wearing, or that it falls just after my Birthday and before (American) Thanksgiving, but I feel enormous anxiety. I am certain it is because that is the anniversary of my traumatic event, my GBS onset.
And here we are, a year after our trauma of the initial lockdown, in the midst of a long recovery period and living with many residual repercussions & symptoms. We’re dealing with job loss, business closures, school closures, and overall social & economic stress. And let’s not forget constant sickness and death.
You or a family member may have had COVID, and hopefully recovered. Some are experiencing ongoing residual symptoms who I see being referred to as ‘long-haulers’. From someone with over a decade as a long hauler of GBS, I can tell you it gets easier, but it is mentally gruelling. It can also be debilitating, frustrating, unpredictable and isolating.
All of this is extremely stressful and seems to be heightened these days.
This ‘Anniversary Trigger Effect’ is not just anecdotal. Don’t just take it from me, take it from the doctors are scientists:
The American Psychology Association explains the Anniversary Trigger Effect like this:
“Anniversary dates of traumatic events can reactivate thoughts and feelings from the actual event, and survivors may experience peaks of anxiety and depression.
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. “
The Awareness Center also explains it like this: “Research shows that our brains store painful, sad or traumatic memories in an easily accessible way so that we can be reminded of, and warned off, the dangers to protect us from something similar happening again.“
Full quote:
The “Anniversary Effect”, is a collection of disturbing feelings, thoughts or memories that occur on or around a date that marks a significant event. You could be feeling sad, irritable, anxious, emotionally shutdown, or unable to sleep, and a quick glance at the calendar will help you to connect this emotional state to a traumatic event. It might be the birthday of a loved-one you have lost, the due date of a miscarried baby, or the day an assault or accident happened. As that date nears, bad memories start to resurface, and you will realize that you are experiencing the annual echo of a trauma.
Some psychology researchers think that the anniversary reaction should be listed as a symptom of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), because even though being reminded of difficult feelings around an anniversary is a very common and normal part of the grieving process it can be really distressing. Anniversary reactions are also a signal that you are not yet over the trauma of your experience, and need to process or work through your grief.
As with many psychological phenomena the anniversary effect happens for a reason. Research shows that our brains store painful, sad or traumatic memories in an easily accessible way so that we can be reminded of, and warned off, the dangers to protect us from something similar happening again. For example, a driver involved in a car crash will have memories that provide information about what the driver should be afraid of, how she or he should see those situations, and how to feel and what to think in those circumstances. The anniversary of the crash will trigger these memories causing you to, in a way, have to live through some of those difficult and painful experiences and emotions again.”
If you are experiencing the ‘Anniversary Trigger Effect’, a year after the onset of the pandemic lockdown, know that you are not alone. Knowing that helps me a bit as we are truly all in this together. I also spoke to my Neurologist about my heightened anxiety and we worked through a program to manage it, as well I upped my yoga and meditation practice. Please don’t be ashamed if you are struggling with anxiety. Mental Health issues are so real and should be treated as seriously as any other health issues. In the meantime, I will continue to wear my mask and I am upping my mask game since I figure we may be wearing masks well, maybe forever. Stay strong, safe and healthy my friends, and by the way, there is zero weakness in asking for help. Sending strength & light to everyone! Pamela xx
Related Posts
I really liked your post. Want more.
Very informative blog article.Really looking forward to read more.
Great blog.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
A round of applause for your article. Want more.
Awesome article post.Thanks Again. Really Great.
Thanks so much for the blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.
A round of applause for your article post.Much thanks again. Much obliged.
Thanks a lot for the article.Really thank you! Want more.
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic blog post.Much thanks again.
Major thankies for the article post.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.
I am so grateful for your blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.
I truly appreciate this blog post.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
I think this is a real great blog article.Thanks Again. Will read on…
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me. https://accounts.binance.com/en-IN/register?ref=UM6SMJM3
Very neat post.Much thanks again. Keep writing.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
I really enjoy the article post.Thanks Again. Much obliged.
Say, you got a nice post.Really thank you! Really Great.
Really enjoyed this article. Really Cool.
Appreciate you sharing, great article post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
I truly appreciate this blog.Much thanks again.
Thanks for the blog. Really Cool.
I really enjoy the blog article.
Thank you for your blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic article post.Really thank you! Really Great.
Enjoyed every bit of your article post.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.
Enjoyed every bit of your blog article.Thanks Again. Fantastic.
This is one awesome post.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.
Your blog has quickly become one of my favorites. Your writing is both insightful and thought-provoking, and I always come away from your posts feeling inspired. Keep up the phenomenal work!
Im obliged for the article post. Awesome.
Thanks so much for the blog post.Really thank you! Really Great.
I cannot thank you enough for the blog. Great.
Thanks-a-mundo for the blog post.Thanks Again. Much obliged.
I am not sure where youre getting your info but good topic I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this information for my mission
Fantastic blog.Thanks Again. Will read on…
Awesome article.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
Your blog is a testament to your passion for your subject matter. Your enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s clear that you put your heart and soul into every post. Keep up the fantastic work!
Thanks for the blog. Cool.
Major thanks for the article post.
Im obliged for the blog article.Really thank you!
This is one awesome post.Really thank you! Will read on…
I appreciate you sharing this blog article.Thanks Again. Cool.
Fantastic blog post.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
Thanks-a-mundo for the blog.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.
Major thanks for the post. Cool.
“Remarkable piece of content! 👏 Your expert analysis and clear communication make complex concepts easy to grasp. This is definitely going in my bookmarks.”
Препарат Средство Кинжал действительно превзошел все мои ожидания и стал незаменимым помощником! Как представитель сильного пола, я долго искал работающее и безопасное средство для улучшения мужской силы, и счастлив, что остановился на Кинжале. Эффект ощущается быстро и держится долго, позволяя почувствовать себя уверенно и энергично в любой ситуации. Хочу подчеркнуть, что после приема действительно появляется прилив жизненных сил, что оказывает благоприятное воздействие на самочувствие и эмоциональное состояние. Кроме того, препарат не имеет побочных эффектов, что было для меня важным фактором, так как я искал безопасное для здоровья средство.
Цена на Кинжал меня тоже приятно удивила, в сравнении с его результативностью и качеством. Это по-настоящему доступное средство для поддержания здоровья мужчин, и по моему опыту, оно стоит каждого вложенного рубля. Могу смело рекомендовать Кинжал всем, кто ищет надежное и эффективное решение для поддержания потенции и уверенности в себе!
Не могу не отметить удобство использования Кинжала таблетки кинжал цена для потенции мужчин в аптеках — его можно принимать в любое время и без лишнего внимания, что делает его идеальным для тех, кто ведет активный образ жизни. Не нужно запоминать сложные схемы приема, достаточно одной таблетки, чтобы ощутить желаемый эффект. С этим препаратом я не только решаю проблему повышения потенции, а верным помощником, который помогает мне сохранять уверенность и энергию.
Thanks again for the blog article.Really thank you! Awesome.
Недавно я решил сыграть в игру слот Gates of Olympus 1000 и остался под большим впечатлением! Слот захватывает с первых минут: красивая графика, насыщенные визуальные эффекты, а звуковое сопровождение добавляет атмосферности. Классно, что доступна демо-версия — это отличный способ понять механику и особенности слота, не рискуя деньгами. Еще одним плюсом является наличие рублевой версии, что делает процесс удобным для игроков из России.
Главное, что привлекло — это возможность больших выигрышей. Заносы действительно радуют, и, когда удается поймать цепочку из множителей, это делает игру невероятно захватывающей! Gates of Olympus 1000 оставил хорошее впечатление и могу смело рекомендовать его тем, кто ищет увлекательную игру с шансами на хорошие выигрыши.
Еще одним большим плюсом Gates of Olympus 1000 стал автомат гейт оф олимпус 1000 онлайн на деньги необычный игровой процесс. Здесь задействованы множители, которые появляются случайным образом и которые могут в разы увеличить выигрыш, что создает дополнительное волнение и интригу в процессе игры. Очень здорово, когда Зевс вызывает сразу несколько множителей, и сумма на экране начинает стремительно расти! Демо-версия помогает тренироваться и вырабатывать стратегию, чтобы в основной игре чувствовать себя увереннее. В общем, Gates of Olympus 1000 — это по-настоящему увлекательный слот с отличными возможностями для выигрыша и прекрасной визуальной составляющей.
Really enjoyed this blog article.Much thanks again. Awesome.
I cannot thank you enough for the blog post.Thanks Again. Keep writing.
I am so grateful for your post.Thanks Again. Fantastic.
wow, awesome post.Really thank you! Keep writing.
Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to
get my website to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing
very good gains. If you know of any please share.
Cheers! I saw similar blog here: Wool product
A round of applause for your blog.Thanks Again. Keep writing.
Really enjoyed this post.Much thanks again. Awesome.
Hey, thanks for the blog article.Much thanks again. Great.
Great, thanks for sharing this blog.Much thanks again. Fantastic.
Thanks for the blog.Really thank you! Will read on…
wow, awesome post.Really thank you!
A big thank you for your post.Thanks Again. Much obliged.
Thanks again for the blog article.Much thanks again. Fantastic.
Thanks for the blog article.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
Enjoyed every bit of your blog post. Much obliged.
Great blog.Thanks Again. Will read on…
Appreciate you sharing, great article.Much thanks again. Fantastic.
Thanks for the blog article.Much thanks again.
A round of applause for your post.Much thanks again. Much obliged.
Hey, thanks for the blog.Really thank you! Will read on…
Awesome blog article.Really thank you! Really Great.
Im thankful for the blog post.Thanks Again. Really Great.
Thanks so much for the blog post.Really thank you!
Really enjoyed this blog. Great.
Thanks a lot for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
wow, awesome article.Really thank you!
Im grateful for the blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Want more.
Very neat article.Much thanks again. Great.
Im thankful for the post.Really thank you! Cool.
I cannot thank you enough for the blog post.Thanks Again.
Really enjoyed this blog article.Much thanks again. Awesome.
Appreciate you sharing, great blog post.
Thank you ever so for you post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.
Im thankful for the blog.Really thank you! Awesome.
I value the blog.Much thanks again. Great.
Very good article.
I appreciate you sharing this article. Much obliged.
Looking forward to reading more. Great blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.
Really appreciate you sharing this post.Much thanks again. Fantastic.
Very neat blog post.Thanks Again. Cool.
Really enjoyed this article post.Thanks Again. Great.
Thank you ever so for you article.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
Thank you for your article.Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.
Thanks so much for the blog article.Really thank you! Keep writing.
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic article post.Really thank you! Really Great.
Awesome post.Much thanks again. Keep writing.
Great, thanks for sharing this article post.Much thanks again. Cool.
Im obliged for the article post.Thanks Again. Will read on…
Very good blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…
I think this is a real great article.Really thank you! Much obliged.
Wow, great blog article.Really looking forward to read more.
I appreciate you sharing this article. Want more.
Thanks for the post.Thanks Again. Keep writing.
I really like and appreciate your post.Really thank you! Keep writing.
A big thank you for your article.Really thank you! Really Great.
Really informative post.Much thanks again. Awesome.
Appreciate you sharing, great blog post.Much thanks again. Will read on…
wow, awesome blog.Thanks Again. Want more.
Great, thanks for sharing this blog.Really looking forward to read more. Great.
Very neat article post.Really thank you! Cool.
I am so grateful for your post.Really looking forward to read more.
Really enjoyed this blog article.Thanks Again. Will read on…
I truly appreciate this blog post.Thanks Again.
Enjoyed every bit of your post. Will read on…
Looking forward to reading more. Great blog. Want more.
Very informative blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Great.
I truly appreciate this blog.Thanks Again.
Thanks a lot for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.
I value the blog post. Great.
Im grateful for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.
Im thankful for the article.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.
I really enjoy the blog.Thanks Again. Cool.
I am so grateful for your blog post.Thanks Again. Awesome.
I really enjoy the blog.Really thank you! Really Great.
Thanks-a-mundo for the blog article. Much obliged.
Wow, great article.Really thank you!
Major thanks for the blog post.Much thanks again. Awesome.
I really liked your post.Really looking forward to read more.
Im thankful for the post.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
Im grateful for the article post. Fantastic.
Im thankful for the blog article.Thanks Again. Great.
I really enjoy the post.Much thanks again. Really Great.
Say, you got a nice article.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
Great blog post. Keep writing.
I loved your post.Much thanks again. Will read on…
I cannot thank you enough for the article.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.
Thanks for the post. Keep writing.
Wow, great article post.Much thanks again. Really Great.
Appreciate you sharing, great post. Keep writing.
Say, you got a nice article. Keep writing.
Im grateful for the post.Really thank you!
I truly appreciate this article post.Thanks Again. Want more.
Great blog article. Great.
Really informative post.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
Major thanks for the article post.Much thanks again. Want more.
Im obliged for the article post.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…
Very good blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
Major thankies for the post.Really thank you! Fantastic.
Major thanks for the article. Great.
Great, thanks for sharing this article. Great.
Thanks-a-mundo for the post.Really looking forward to read more.
Major thanks for the article. Fantastic.
Really enjoyed this article.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.
Thanks so much for the blog article.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
I am so grateful for your blog post. Awesome.
Really informative post.Thanks Again. Awesome.
Thanks again for the post.Thanks Again.
Very good blog post.Thanks Again. Awesome.
I value the article.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
Thanks-a-mundo for the blog.Really thank you! Much obliged.
Wow, great blog article.Much thanks again. Cool.
Thank you ever so for you article post.Much thanks again. Really Cool.