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With planning and practice, you can learn skills to help you enjoy celebrations that include fireworks or manage distress if the fireworks are unexpected. If you have PTSD and find fireworks to be a difficult trauma reminder, a mental health provider can help you find ways to cope. When I was a child, every Fourth of July holiday my father would take me to the military fireworks display at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. We would take our place in the long cascade of cars parked at the huge parade ground in front of Brooke Army Medical Center. Fireworks enthusiasts have already been lighting up the sky ahead of July 4, and that has some urging the public to have more compassion for those living with PTSD. Fireworks have a significant impact on Veterans with PTSD. Not only is there the possibility for acute stress reactions, but also a rapid heart rate, profuse sweating, and panic attacks. This can be disruptive to one’s day-to-day life and activities such as sleep. For many Americans, the Fourth of July is a time for celebration—cookouts, fireworks, and a shared sense of national pride. But for some Veterans living with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this patriotic holiday can be filled with distress, not delight. The VA defines PTSD as a mental health problem that can develop after going through or seeing a life-threatening event.It’s normal to have stress reactions. Events like the Fourth of July, with Most Americans look forward to getting together to enjoy the sights and sounds of fireworks on July 4. But for veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the traditional holiday festivities can be far from welcome. The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our nation's freedom and reflect on those who helped secure it. As communities light fireworks and gather in celebration, CAVHCS encourages all to be mindful of how these festivities may affect the well-being of Veterans who live with PTSD. FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) - As July 4th gets closer, doctors and veterans are getting the word out about how those loud fireworks can impact those who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Fireworks are a special part of the Fourth of July, but the loud, sudden noises and bright flashes can be difficult for Veterans living with PTSD. The sights and sounds can bring back memories of trauma and trigger symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks or trouble sleeping. COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Fireworks are meant to entertain and bring joy — but for Veterans and service members with post traumatic stress disorder, the sights, sounds, and even smells of smoke “As beautiful as they are, the sounds, smells and shockwaves of fireworks can be triggering for Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD,” said Annie Tang, staff psychologist at Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital. For Veterans, fireworks may cue memories of combat or explosions; and certain military-related celebrations may also raise distress. Here are some tips for Veterans suffering from PTSD when dealing with fireworks on the 4th of July: It may feel more comfortable to avoid these events; this is a short-term fix that may worsen the problem over time For veterans, trauma survivors, and anyone living with PTSD, the sensory overload of July Fourth can stir up painful memories. The sounds of fireworks might resemble gunfire or explosions. The Fourth of July is usually a time of celebration in the United States – marked by barbecues, parades and, perhaps most notably, beautiful fireworks displays, but for some veterans and their families, these festivities can bring about significant stress and anxiety due to PTSD. Unexpected fireworks can trigger PTSD symptoms in veterans. Loud noises, bright lights, and burning smells can evoke traumatic memories. Veterans, even without PTSD, may experience heightened Reach out to loved ones and support systems. Let them know you may need extra support around fireworks. If you receive care from VA Eastern Colorado, you can call 720-723-7310 (Rocky Mountain Consumer fireworks are legal almost everywhere in the United States, making the days around the Fourth of July can trigger painful memories for combat veterans with post-traumatic stress The National Center for PTSD advises veterans to avoid fireworks, practice self-care, and use coping techniques to manage fireworks-related trauma. The Fourth of July is a day of celebration in the USA—filled with fireworks, parades, and gatherings. However, for many veterans coping with PTSD, sudden loud noises and unpredictable events can trigger flashbacks, anxiety, and extreme stress.
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