#MentalHealthMonday - The Anniversary Effect & Collective Trauma

Why can a date on the calendar bring back emotions we thought we had moved past? In this Mental Health Monday episode, Meredith explores the anniversary effect—the way significant or traumatic dates can reactivate memories, emotions, anxiety, grief, and even physical sensations years or decades later. As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, Meredith reflects on why this particular week still carries such emotional weight for her and for millions of people who remember exactly where they were when the world changed. How can a smell, a song, a season, or even the quality of the air suddenly transport us back in time? Why can our bodies seem to remember something before our conscious minds make the connection? And instead of judging ourselves for still feeling something years later, what if we simply became curious about what is coming up? This episode is also the prelude to a deeply personal conversation coming Friday, September 11, when Meredith will share her own story of being a young actress starring on Broadway in New York City on September 11, 2001—and what she understands about that day now, 25 years later. Sometimes moving forward doesn't mean forgetting. Sometimes remembering is part of healing.