If you notice a decline in how well you are functioning every year at around the same time, you may be experiencing a trauma anniversary. Decompensation often happens when the nervous system is overwhelmed and can be a sign that it needs more support, rest, stability, or reduced demands.
Signs of decompensation include:
- increased anxiety
- irritability
- sadness
- numbness
- shutdown
- hypervigilance
- nightmares
- dissociation
You might feel “off.” Physical symptoms can also increase, including headaches, exhaustion, stomach problems, panic symptoms, pain, or trouble sleeping.
Systems which are decompensating might notice more switching, more internal conflict, more memory problems, or feeling less able to cope with everyday stress.
This page is part of the When a Dissociative System Collapses section of the CommuniDID site, which explains how trauma can occur without obvious violence and why survivors often doubt or normalize what happened to them.
Explore more:
- Questions about When a Dissociative System Collapses
- In some cases, systems notice subtle warning signs before symptoms intensify. You can review common early indicators here: Early Warning Signs Your Dissociative System May Be Starting to Decompensate.
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