PASCO, Wash. – It is about that time when people all over the country celebrate our country’s freedom; however, this time of year is meant to unite us as a country. It can be stressful for veterans and survivors of trauma. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, fireworks can be traumatic for those who served in combat and can cause distress. P-T-S-D is short for post-traumatic stress disorder– and is typically tied to an event in someone’s life that was deeply disturbing.
John Penney, the Benton and Franklin County Veterans Service Officer at the Columbia Basin Veterans Center, said the fireworks’ lights, sounds, and even smells can remind people about the traumatic events they’ve encountered. Penney said it’s not as triggering when at the fireworks show but in the days leading up to the 4th when those sounds are unexpected. He says it’s always better to be proactive than reactive.
“Inviting them to the fireworks show,” Penney said. “. Instead of being like, hey, I’m going to light fireworks off, I just wanted to give you the heads up. That’s a really good way of approaching a veteran. Inviting them in so you kind of give them the heads up. Also, you’re leaving the door open so they don’t feel like they’re going to be alone, and they get a chance to actively engage.”
According to Penney, some signs to look out for if someone who *has PTSD is not comfortable are fidgeting, sweating, rapid eye movement, and just looking unsafe.
Penney said in the days leading up to the fourth of July and a few days after, just let them have some space. He says helping them prepare is the best thing.
According to the National Center for PTSD, seven percent of veterans experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Fireworks can be triggering. For veterans, This usually includes memories of war. Penney said the booming noise could remind veterans of weapons they heard during their service when their lives were on the line, like guns, rockets, and mortars.
“Anything that can be a sensory memory,” he said. “So, if you experience something that leads to post-traumatic stress disorder developing. There’s going to be sights, smells, certain feelings. Atmospheric feels. Anything that can bring them back to that point in time.”
Penney said PTSD is different for everyone. Knowing it’s coming, Penney says it’s different when at a fireworks show. It’s the unexpected that can be the most triggering.
Penney tells me the best way to help someone with PTSD on the Fourth of July is to let them know when you plan on lighting fireworks and even offer them an invite if they are interested.
