Be mindful of those who battle PTSD

As we approach the festivities and activities associated with Independence Day celebrations — the cookouts with family and friends, a day off from work, a patriotic parade, and dazzling fireworks displays — it’s also a time to think of those among us who have actually faced and endured the “bombs bursting in air” sung about in our National Anthem.
Like the warriors who, through their blood, sweat and tears, secured our independence as a free nation so many years ago, many heroes returning from recent wars suffer invisible wounds related to their service. For veterans who have endured battle, or are suffering the effects of post-traumatic atress disorder (PTSD) from their time at war, as well as the members of our community who have experienced gun violence or other traumatic events, the sound of random firecrackers and other fireworks can be very difficult and may even trigger serious mental health problems.
In this Caregiver Corner, I would like to talk about some of the things caregivers, and we in the community, can do to make the celebrations easier on veterans who have been in combat and all those who suffer from PTSD.
The first thing we can all do is elevate our awareness: we’re not likely to help if we don’t know there’s something we can do.
PTSD is a disorder that may come about when a person experiences a potentially life-threatening or terrifying event — and for those who have PTSD, the noise of fireworks can cause quite a jolt to their nervous system. We all have the fight-or-flight response to highly dangerous situations (adrenaline forces blood to our limbs so that we can fight, freeze or flee), but in the aftermath of some of these (such as a serious car accident, gun violence, violent attack on their person or the danger of combat), PTSD may develop. If it does, any sudden, unexpected loud noise can be a trigger that again invokes the feelings of the life-threatening event, with the mental and physical sensations that accompany it. These may include a racing heart, tense muscles, and shortness of breath, which usually last only a short while, though they also may endure for hours or even days.
As a community, there are things we can all do to be more thoughtful of our veterans and others who experience PTSD symptoms, while still enjoying this great holiday. Veterans and other trauma survivors expect to hear fireworks on the Fourth of July, but random, loud, explosive noises at unexpected days and times before and after the holiday are the most problematic for anyone suffering the effects of PTSD. It might be helpful to reach out to friends and neighbors and ask them their plans for fireworks, so that you can be prepared in advance.
The following suggestions may also be helpful:
Mute the noise: close and cover the windows if possible, consider earplugs or noise cancelling headphones, play music, or watch television to help drown out the noises. If possible, visit family who live in the country for the weekend. If there are combat veterans in your neighborhood, consider letting them know when you will be setting off fireworks, and the type you plan to use.
We’re a patriotic community and most of us have either served or have family members who have served. Let’s enjoy Independence Day with all its wonderful traditions: churn some ice-cream, go to the parade, have a barbeque, enjoy the fireworks...but please consider a no-fireworks policy on the days preceding and after the holiday, for the sake of those who have sacrificed so much for us.
If you are a veteran needing help with PTSD or other mental health difficulties, VA is here for you. Please contact us at 573-686-4151. For additional information about caregiver support services for caregivers of veterans, please contact us at 573-778-4476.
Vicki Burns, MSW, LCSW, is in her 14th year with the John J Pershing VAMC, where she is the caregiver support coordinator for the Program of General Caregiver Services. Burns is the daughter and caregiver of a WWII Veteran, and the granddaughter of a WWI Veteran.