Coping with the anniversary of a terror incident leaflet (accessible version)
Published 18 November 2021
© Crown copyright 2021
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coping-with-the-anniversary-of-a-terror-incident/coping-with-the-anniversary-of-a-terror-incident-leaflet-accessible-version
The anniversary of a terror incident can be a challenging time as it can act as a reminder of what you experienced.
For some, this can contribute to a temporary increase in difficult feelings and emotions, which can make some people feel like they are going backwards. However, these are typical reactions around the anniversary of a traumatic event and usually pass.
Reactions vary between people but can include:
- feeling more anxious, tense and/or jumpy
- increased sadness or negative thinking
- difficulties with sleep
- feeling angry about the incident
- thinking more than usual about the incident and/or those who lost their lives
- avoiding thinking or talking about the incident
- avoiding reminders of the incident or the date of the incident
- feeling guilty about how you acted during the incident
- feeling guilty for feeling better than you expected
Taking care of yourself:
- try to set realistic expectations of yourself during this difficult time
- remember it is ok to have positive thoughts, feelings and memories around the anniversary of the incident
- spend time with loved ones or people you trust, and talk to them if this helps
- plan comforting activities that help you relax (e.g. listening to music, going for a walk, reading a book)
- offer help in the community if you are able to: doing things for others can help give us a sense of connectedness and achievement
- stick to your usual routine if this is helpful
- limit time spent online/following the news if it’s making you feel worse
- mark the anniversary if that feels useful - join planned activities or take some time to reflect on your own
- look after yourself: try to exercise and eat well
- make a note of helpful strategies so you have these in future
Getting help
- talk to your psychological therapist if you are already receiving support
- you can email us: SurvivorsOfTerrorism@slam.nhs.uk or call us on 0800 0902371 to talk to someone about your well-being and consider the options for support available to you
- if you need urgent help, contact your GP or the Samaritans
- if you are in crisis, go straight to your local A&E