Why July Fourth can be difficult for some veterans

Soon, America will celebrate 250 years of independence. For many, that means well-deserved celebrations that aren’t complete without fireworks. But for many of the veterans who fought for freedom, these celebrations can be difficult if they suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing a potentially traumatizing event, such as military combat, violence or an accident. When you have PTSD, your stress response becomes dysregulated and your nervous system becomes overly sensitive. This can become especially challenging on holidays like the Fourth of July.

“People with PTSD often have an increased startle response,” says Dr. Jacob Barack, a psychologist at Advocate Health Care. “It’s almost like their nervous system is an alarm that hasn’t quite been calibrated. For example, a door might slam or a car backfire, and they’re out of their seat before you’ve even registered the sound.”

While anyone can experience PTSD, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs estimates about 29% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have experienced PTSD, and 21% of veterans who served in Desert Storm have been affected.

How to help veterans with PTSD on the Fourth of July

Giving people with PTSD a heads-up about when fireworks will go off is one of the best ways to help. Small changes in awareness can make a big difference.

“If you have neighbors you think could be impacted, letting them know when you plan on doing fireworks can go a long way,” Dr. Barack says. “When people know what to expect, they can take steps to prepare themselves.”

When possible, leaving fireworks to professional displays is another way to minimize repeated, sporadic noise in residential areas.

How veterans can prepare and cope

For veterans and others who know fireworks may be triggering, planning ahead can help reduce the intensity of symptoms. That may mean creating a simple plan for the evening, like staying inside during peak hours or spending time in a quieter environment.

Other ideas to manage symptoms include:

• Noise-dampening earplugs or noise-canceling headphones
• Weighted blankets or other calming tools
• Playing music or white noise to mask sudden sounds

“No single item is going to prevent a reaction, but all of these tools can be part of someone’s care plan for an event like this,” Dr. Barack adds. “If you know that you’re prone to feeling easily upset in these situations, try to change how you approach the holiday.”

Dr. Barack also recommends using guided techniques available in mental health apps, especially the VA’s PTSD Coach or Mindfulness Coach apps, to manage holiday triggers.

If you struggle with PTSD, getting treatment is important. With the right support, it’s possible to regain a sense of control and feel more at ease during stressful moments.

Find behavioral health treatment and programs near you: Illinois | Wisconsin

If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of emotional distress, call or text the suicide & crisis lifeline at 988.