Why Certain Times of Year Can Trigger Trauma
As the seasons change, many of us notice shifts in our mood, energy and routines. The arrival of September, for example, often brings a sense of transition as children return to school, workplaces become busier and familiar routines begin again.
For people who have experienced trauma or abuse, however, certain times of year can bring more than the usual stress associated with change. They may trigger difficult emotions, physical sensations or memories, and sometimes without the person immediately understanding why.
When the time of year becomes a trauma trigger
Trauma can be closely connected to particular dates, seasons or times of year. For some people, an experience of abuse, violence, loss or another traumatic event took place during a specific month or season. As that time approaches each year, the nervous system may begin to respond, even when the person is not consciously thinking about what happened.
Some people know exactly why a particular time of year is difficult. They may anticipate feeling more anxious, low or unsettled as an anniversary approaches. Others may simply notice that they feel different.
You might feel:
On edge or unusually anxious
Restless or agitated
Hyper-vigilant or constantly on guard
More easily overwhelmed
Tired or emotionally drained
Disconnected from yourself or others
Unsure why you are reacting so strongly
These responses are sometimes referred to as anniversary reactions. They can occur around the anniversary of a traumatic event, but they are not always connected to one specific date. A season, change in weather, smell, sound or familiar routine can also bring up memories and feelings connected to the past.
Why back-to-school and back-to-work season can be difficult
The transition into September can be challenging for many reasons. After the slower pace of summer, there may be increased pressure to get organised, return to routines and meet new demands at school or work.
For someone with a history of trauma, these transitions can sometimes feel particularly activating.
Returning to school may bring up difficult memories from childhood. For some people, school was a place where they experienced bullying, isolation or other forms of harm. For others, the return to routine may unconsciously connect them with a time in their life when abuse or trauma was taking place.
Parents may also find the back-to-school season unexpectedly difficult. Watching a child reach a particular age or stage can bring up memories of their own childhood. Concerns about a child's safety, changing routines or the loss of the freedom of summer can also feel more significant when viewed through the lens of past experiences.
Similarly, returning to a busier work routine after the summer can increase stress and reduce the time and space people have available to rest and regulate their nervous systems. If you are already feeling activated, the demands of a busy schedule may make it harder to understand what is happening or why you are struggling.
You don't always need to know why
One of the most confusing aspects of trauma responses is that they do not always arrive with a clear explanation.
You may not consciously remember a particular event, or you may know what happened but not connect your current feelings to the time of year. Your body and nervous system can respond to reminders of past experiences before your conscious mind has made that connection.
If you notice that a particular time of year is consistently difficult, it can be helpful to approach yourself with curiosity rather than judgement. You might ask yourself: What am I noticing in my body? What feels different at this time of year? Have I experienced something similar before?
You do not need to force yourself to remember or understand everything. Sometimes simply recognizing that you are having a difficult time can be an important first step.
Support for trauma and difficult times of year
If certain seasons, dates or transitions regularly leave you feeling anxious, overwhelmed or on guard, counselling can provide a supportive space to explore what may be happening.
At Tapestry Counselling Centre, our trauma-informed therapists work with individuals who have experienced childhood abuse, trauma and other difficult life experiences. Therapy can help you better understand your responses, develop tools for feeling more grounded and supported, and explore the impact that past experiences may still be having on your life today.
You don't have to wait until things feel overwhelming to reach out. If this time of year feels particularly difficult, support is available.