Anniversary trigger dates. I want to change it...

[Jenness]

In two months it will be three years ago since it all changed over night. Since then my children and I have faced many hurdles. However, I don't want to be triggered by these dates now. I want to instead see the positives and look at how far we have come in this time. My children are finally settling in to life and with all their counselling are now happy little children once again. I'm proud I got them through. I'm proud that I keep trying every day despite it being so overwhelming at times. With seeking more specialised support for me I hope I can now overcome the fear that I experience so frequently. I have hopes.

[BennettC]

Awesome work in being able to honor where you have been and what you have been through while looking toward the future with positivity and hope! It is no small accomplishment to be able to do that. Maybe this year you could do something to "celebrate" all of your (and your children's) amazing work - some kind of ritual or new tradition to mark a new kind of anniversary for all of you. I wish you the best!

[Jenness in reply to BennettC]

Thank you. Your kind words are appreciated. I've worked really hard to get to where I am. Although I've got a lot more to work through, being told by my psychologist that my children have really improved and are quite well adjusted now makes me feel so happy and know there is light at the end of this tunnel. It's nice to know that people on here understand.

[Crazy_Horse]

"I have hopes."

Your sense of hopefulness will keep you and your family moving forward on a healing path.

You have done an amazing job with your family.

I wish you and your family continued healing.

Crazy_Horse

[Iamfree]

Well done you should be very proud of yourself

[MicheleR Founder]

You've done a fantastic job of moving through the trauma and helping your kids do so too. Bravo! Perhaps you could start practicing how to reframe anniversaries, i.e. as the day you _______ (fill in the blank with some positive aspect of what you've done).

After many years of "celebrating" the anniversary of my trauma I started using my anniversary date to celebrate my survival instead.

Some examples of how others have moved through/changed anniversary triggers might inspire you with other ideas:

healmyptsd.com/2010/08/maki...