Welcome to the crowd. Yes its perfectly normal to trigger on/around the anniversary of the event. I did for 20 years. You will also find things you dont understand happening and thats completely perfectly okay. We all know similar circumstances as our traumas give similar reactions to us all. Youre in good company

Welcome to the board Mel.... This is a good place to come... . A lot of people on here really struggle with anniversaries

I'm sorry for what's brought you here but glad that you've found us.... Big hug... xo

Welcome, Mel, I know how you feel. Especially about those anniversaries. Mine happens to be Christmas, so that makes it hard to find support out there offline without coming off like a Grinch. Folks here get it and really help. We're glad you found us.

Hi Mel welcome. I can so relate to what you say about anniversaries. Mine is coming up shortly. On July 2 1979 i was abducted at gun point while camping with my family. The only way i can find some comfort is being around my family because i was thinking about them the entire time i was missing. But i never gave up hope that i would be back with my family. We are glad you found us here. You have come to the right place. Never give up.

Scott

Thank you so much for the responses. My anniversary is at the end of June in a couple of days but it is hitting me harder this year. It is nice to read your responses and know that I'm not must crazy or weak for this still bothering me and making me feel dysregulated and anxious. I know I have been told by doctors that this happens but hearing from others with PTSD and real life experience helps me to understand better that this is normal and that I'm not alone. A gun was involved and I also dread July 4th and holidays with fireworks as the noises just amp me up like crazy.

Again thank you so much for all of the support and helping to validate what I'm going through. I'm glad I found this group!

Bit late, sorry, but welcome :-)

Welcome Mel, glad you found us... you're not alone, I too have a lot of trouble with anniversaries, but you found the right place...

Thank you everyone. I am still struggling and just hoping the days get easier the farther away that the anniversary gets. I had another panic attack and they are just so exhausting. I feel like my brain can barely function and just going to work is a chore. I sat in my car fighting back tears for about 15 minutes before I could even go in and just face the day. This can be so hard at times.

Welcome Mel, I read in Pete Walkers book that complex PTSD that parts of the brain can heal over time from PTSD. So that gives me hope. Wishing you all the best