Fireworks and veterans don't always mix

Every year on the Fourth of July we celebrate our independence with grand fireworks displays all over the country. From small town America to the big cities, spectacular displays of lights and noises take place. The intent behind it and the celebration of it is quite honoring. However, this “celebration” can seriously impact our veterans.

The sounds, smells and shockwaves of fireworks can be very triggering for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Individuals with PTSD, as well as any combat veteran regardless of their PTSD status, are more likely to be triggered or respond to loud, unexpected noise, often under the cover of darkness. If we think about what a combat scenario looks like, you’re expecting incoming fire and explosions that you have to be constantly on guard for, that are often happening at night. And fireworks serve as a very significant reminder of these experiences, PTSD or not. So, this really does impact people.

Dr. Annie Tang, a staff psychologist at Edward Hines, JR. VA Hospital states, “These can bring up emotional and physiological reactions, and bring up trauma memories from the past, which can bring up intense anxiety and fear.” According to Tang, the brain is very good at pairing things. Combat veterans and those who worked in combat zones can pair threat with whatever was in that environment, including things they saw, heard or smelled. These pairings can continue after a soldier returns to civilian life. So, when fireworks or other loud noises occur, a veterans brain can feel in danger.

So, for those of you that might be suffering from PTSD and have a difficult time during the Fourth of July, here are a few tips I hope to be helpful.

One, find inexpensive form of ear protection. When fireworks start with greater intensity or frequency, try noise-canceling earphones, listen to calming music, listen to an audiobook, or some other soothing sound to help cope with the noise. Possibly run a fan or other source of white noise to help mask and muffle the outside sounds.

Two, prepare a self-care tool kit. Consider positive things you can use for healthy distraction and comfort. Look through photographs that give you joy, enjoy the fragrance of fresh pine, lavender, cinnamon or peppermint, spend time playing with or grooming your dog or other pet, or watch your favorite movie.

Three, find a way to darken your room if flashes of light bother you when you are trying to sleep. Be sure to shut the blinds, use a room-darkening curtain, and/or wear an eye mask or bandana over your eyes.

Four, plan a getaway. While it may not always be possible or necessary, consider going outside of town or your neighborhood. Enjoying nature miles away from civilization can be restorative. Watching a firework display, for example, from a longer distance with friends or family, might turn out to be an enjoyable experience.

And if you want to help someone with PTSD, there are actions you can take. If you’re going to use fireworks, try to make sure it’s at predictable times. Veterans and society in general expect fireworks on the Fourth of July weekend, but not necessarily on a random Tuesday in August or weeks before the 4th of July in June. The other suggestion is to restrict their use to reasonable hours, wrapping them up before 10 p.m. can be a great way to make sure you aren’t impacting too many people’s sleeping habits.

If you know someone with PTSD who is struggling during this time, the national center for PTSD is a fantastic resource for veterans and civilians as well as their loved ones and advocates. There is a free app called “PTSD Coach” that is filled with great educational materials, screeners, and it can help you connect with tools, as well as, find therapy and other supportive resources if that’s of interest. Another great resource for veterans is “Coaching into Care.” It is run through the department of Veterans Affairs, and they have a national hotline (1-888-823-7458) that loved ones can call to learn strategies for connecting veterans with services.

And, of course, we at Cloud Peak Counseling Center want you to know we are always available to listen and provide help. We have on-call services 24/7, as well as, a free walk-in clinic on Monday’s and Wednesday’s from 1 to 4 p.m. We are here to help you through if this time is especially difficult for you. Please reach out!