What You Can Do To Make 4th Of July Fireworks Less Terrifying For Vets With PTSD

Shooting off fireworks on the 4th of July may be one of your favorite ways to celebrate America’s independence, but perhaps not for combat veterans who fought for your freedom to light them.

As you celebrate, keep this in mind:

The loud, unexpected noises from fireworks can trigger memories of incoming fire, explosions and other combat situations for veterans who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

The exact number of veterans diagnosed with PTSD varies according to the war or conflict they fought in, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The VA estimates that in a given year, 11 to 20 percent of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and 12 percent of Gulf War veterans will have an episode of PTSD. The agency estimates 30 percent of Vietnam War veterans have had PTSD at some point in their lifetime.

In total, that’s tens of millions of Americans whose symptoms fit the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Those include nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive trauma memories and “hyperarousal symptoms” — a range of symptoms from irritability or aggression to risky or destructive behavior.

Any loud, unexpected boom can trigger a soldier’s PTSD, but nighttime fireworks are particularly problematic, according to Leah Blain, a clinical psychologist and director of the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at the University of Pennsylvania.

On top of other stresses, “nightly occurrences of these really triggering stimuli [and] unexpected sounds” can put some veterans in a crisis situation, Blain wrote in a post for Penn Medicine News.

“So we have a 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 on guard for, that are often happening at night,” she wrote. “And fireworks serve as a very significant reminder of these experiences, PTSD or no. So this really does impact people. It really disrupts sleep. It increases stress. I would say it is a pretty significant stressor for people.”

Veterans May Not Speak Up

If you’re a veteran, here are some of the signs that you might be experiencing anxiety related to PTSD, according to the VA:

• Light sensitivity to fireworks and sparklers, especially at night.
• Strong reactions to sounds, such as fireworks and ceremonial gun and cannon fire.
• Uneasiness or feeling on edge in crowds.
• Feeling more jumpy or easily startled.
• Flashbacks (feeling as if traumatic events are actually happening again), frequently in response to sounds or smells.
• Feeling emotionally distant or cut off from family and friends during celebrations.
• Engaging in risky behaviors, such as drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, in order to push away unwanted traumatic thoughts.

If veterans are experiencing these things, there’s a chance they won’t want to tell you. According to the nonprofit Military with PTSD, some veterans may be concerned about bringing up the issue because they don’t want to ruin anyone’s holiday fun. The stigma surrounding PTSD also plays a role.

What You Can Do

Short of canceling their backyard fireworks displays, there are things you can do to make veterans in your neighborhoods more comfortable, the VA says.

• Ask guests ahead of time if they experience stress or discomfort around the holiday.
• If you’re aware of a veteran or trauma survivor who lives in the neighborhood, move the noise as far as possible from their home and give them prior warning. Consider putting a sign in your front yard noting the time you’ll set the fireworks.
• Consider other options for celebrations. For example, if a veteran friend or family member is alarmed by the loud sound of fireworks, use sparklers rather than louder alternatives.
• Consider reducing or removing alcohol from your event.

More Resources

The VA lists a variety of coping techniques veterans can employ to cope with PTSD.

If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 800-662-4357.

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts during your PTSD episodes, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline using the three-digit code — 988.

When people call, text or chat 988, they will be connected with trained counselors who are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support and connect them to resources if necessary.

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