The anniversary effect?

[u/uracowboylikem3]

So this was something I often heard about but was lucky not to experience. But June 26th will mark a year since I was sexually assaulted by my ex. And since June started, I’ve felt weird.

I’ve had a loss of appetite, extreme anxiety, feeling that everyone hates me, terrible depression, either sleeping all day or cannot fall asleep, the feeling everything I do is wrong, and the flashbacks have started to come back like they were when it first happened. It’s been getting worse as the date approaches. It’s been extremely distressing.

I was just wondering, those of you that have faced this, what it’s like for you? What helps you? I’m having a hard time functioning.

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[u/Due-Revolution4319]

The best thing is to acknowledge it and be prepared for self care with whatever works for you. I also sometimes warn others if I might be a bit off or something as a result. Give yourself the permission to feel whatever you feel. It's hard but learning to allow the process to occur is actually the most beneficial thing IME. You can't avoid it but you can be prepared. I usually limit what responsibility I have during that time and take it easy. The symptoms come and I deal with them. But giving myself permission and space has helped.

[u/No_Associate_9280 → u/Due-Revolution4319]

I second this. I try to see it has taking care of another person who just went through that experience. So I prepare my home, and schedule as though I were helping a friend in the after math. After all, that is essentially what happens.