Keep CSRA’s PTSD-affected veterans in mind if you use fireworks
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Many CSRA residents celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, but this can be a triggering time for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.
We have a very large military community, with many in the CSRA struggling with PTSD.
For those who have experienced severe combat-related trauma, or trauma from something else, the loud noises may cause them to feel like they’re back in that situation again and trigger those feelings.
That may make their bodies believe they’re in danger, which hits the nervous system.
The most triggering kind of fireworks are those that are unexpected.
July Fourth fireworks bring warning from CSRA’s burn experts
With the Fourth of July approaching fast, firework displays are stocked and people are flocking to get ready for festivities. Do it safely.
There’s no doubt that our veterans love our nation, but some dread celebrating its independence.
It’s not just the sound of fireworks, but the smell and visuals too.
“I expect to hear a small firework or whatever here and there. It’s the ones that people in a residential or in a setting that you don’t like these huge fireworks, that and they explode very loud and very close by,” said Ron Schawo, U.S. Nacy Seabee veteran.
Mitzi, Ron’s wife and U.S. Navy Reserves veteran, says after the holiday, she can always expect her husband’s symptoms to worsen.
“I expect to hear him scream in his sleep. I expect him to be violent in his sleep fighting off the things that his subconscious is going to be addressed,” said Mitzi.
For some, it can feel like a never-ending cycle.
“When it’s all done, it’s the fifth and they try to go to sleep. And they can’t. And they start having these nightmares. And the cycle begins again,” said Mitzi.
Here’s where you can celebrate July 4th in the CSRA
Despite the hot weather expected on July 4th, celebration events will continue this week throughout the CSRA.
For those who may not struggle with this, we can help those who do, by informing our neighbors if we plan to light fireworks.
That way, they aren’t caught off guard.
Dr. Ric Monroe at VA Augusta says there are things we can do to prevent these triggers.
“Alert your neighbors if you’re going to be launching any fireworks from your yard or from your driveway. For someone who is attending a fireworks display with someone who might deal with combat-related PTSD, it’s really important to just say, ‘I’m here, we’re safe,’” said Dr. Ric Monroe at VA Augusta.
It may also best for those suffering from PTSD to darken the room and wear ear protection if they sense fireworks may be triggering.
Mitzi says it’s important to reach out for help as soon as possible.
“It doesn’t take a holiday or a firework or an event to need help. But you can’t get if you don’t ask for it, because I don’t want to lose anybody,” said Mitzi.
You can reach out to the American Legion, VFW, or VA Augusta if you are struggling.
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