Some will choose to observe it in a very private way. Some will feel the need to participate in some of the more public observances. All of that is absolutely normal, and all of the anxiety leading up to the anniversary is normal. The anniversary may force people to face again the painful emotions they unknowingly suppressed during the past year, said Jeff Dolgan, chief of psychology at The Children's Hospital. We've tried to be detached, to restrict our feelings about this.
Anniversaries do that to people.
It's April again. Make deliberate choices. Do something that helps you feel less helpless. Many in the Columbine community and elsewhere have channeled their emotions into positive actions, Dolgan said. He cited those who are working on commemorative events or donating money and labor for a new school library, for instance.