You may begin to experience anniversary grief response as you approach the upcoming date. The following list may be some of the signs you are experiencing an anniversary grief response: increased feelings of sadness, loss, depression, loneliness, anxiety, fatigue, irritability or anger, as well as physical symptoms, such as sleeplessness, lack of an appetite, difficulty concentrating or an increase in distressing memories, among other things. But you have made it through a full year and if you allow it, hope for the future can be also felt. 

Your anniversary grief responses can be profound because it shows you have survived an entire year without someone who was as important as life itself.  The time of day, the weather, the place, and many other details are signals of the upcoming date. Anticipating the one-year anniversary can be more stressful than the date itself. Increase your self care. 

    Mark the date in a special way 

1. If you work, take the day off and spend time with friends or family.

2. Light a candle. Create a memorial in your home with flowers, photos and mementos.

3. Look at photos and videos to think about and talk about your loss.

4. Make phone calls or send thank you notes to all the people who helped you through the year.

5. Release butterflies.

6. Write a letter, poem , or blog post.

7. Listen to their favourite songs.

8. Create a memorial in your yard that signifies the legacy of your person ( eg. Plant a tree or flowers, buy a stepping stone) 

9. Set a few goals for the upcoming months and year

10. Hold a special remembrance ceremony.

11. Get away and take a time out.

12. Dedicate a bench in a park or seat at the theatre in honour of the person.

13. Purchase memorial jewelry.

14. Visit the grave site.

Congratulations you have survived this very painful and challenging year.

Yours in living and loss, Brenda 

 References

Diets. Bob, (2017). Life After Loss: A Practical Guide to Renewing your Life after Experiencing Major Loss, 6th ed., Philadelphia: Da Capo Press.