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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsNoises of July 4 fireworks can be difficult on veterans, trigger memories of combat
"At the Fourth of July, we sort of expect it and anticipate it," he told The Times (http://bit.ly/1qqsaBV ). "It's leading up to the Fourth of July, when people are setting off their M-80s and you don't expect it. I would catch myself jumping all the time because it brings me back to the night we were attacked and reminds me of when they shot mortars into our compound."
...
"The brain doesn't differentiate between something dangerous like bullets or a Fourth of July situation," Messing said. "The sight, the sound, the smell of any type of explosion turns on that super alert fight-or-flight."
Once the association is made, it can be tough to reverse. Medications don't help much, but some forms of therapy can be effective.
http://m.therepublic.com/view/story/12de9477cec14225b23bb1a5d81d8d76/IN--Fireworks-Veterans
ETA: This is also worth reading if you want to know how to make it easier on veterans.
* Avoid using fireworks with loud bangs - the louder the bang the worse it is for the veteran.
* Go to a remote area to set off fireworks where there is less of a chance you will disturb others
Read More at: http://www.local21news.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/how-fourth-july-celebrations-affect-veterans-ptsd-10058.shtml?wap=0
CountAllVotes
(20,876 posts)Scares the living daylights out of my poor cats!
I really do not like fireworks because they frighten our animals so much.
I had not thought about how fireworks are responsible for setting off PTSD in vets however.
NuclearDem
(16,184 posts)I'm an OEF vet, and I catch myself jumping when the idiots down the street set off a firecracker without any warning.
sarisataka
(18,663 posts)I was working a civilian security job on the fourth near a major fireworks show. First big boom went off and i automatically started calling in an artillery SITREP
The dispatch office was all confused. I'm better now, mostly
NuclearDem
(16,184 posts)louis-t
(23,295 posts)Fireworks start here before Memorial Day and end after Labor Day. Every night. Before sundown until 11 pm or later. Non-stop.
Tetris_Iguana
(501 posts)That the way Americans celebrate independence can be harmful to very people they owe it to.
NuclearDem
(16,184 posts)MadrasT
(7,237 posts)...and wish more people thought about before they have their holiday fun.