Fireworks Can Trigger Crisis For Vets With PTSD

(KNSI) – Fourth of July Fireworks are a joy for many every year, but it can be unnerving for some who served the nation and cause mental anguish.

Health experts say for combat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a traditional fireworks display can increase agitation and isolation.

St. Cloud Veterans Affairs Medical Center Veterans justice outreach coordinator at the St. Cloud Michael Mynczywor says someone with PTSD can be affected for days afterward.

“They already rev high with the anxiety, so when fireworks go off, it can increase that. And then, for the typical person, when the booms would stop, your anxiety would go down. But when it comes to PTSD, they can rev at high levels for long periods, sometimes even days.”

Mynczywor says around 13% of combat vets develop PTSD.

“I’ve deployed twice the combat zone myself, and I’ll tell you, loud fireworks sound like artillery. Some were exposed to roadside bombs, explosions, or it’s just overstimulation. You know, they could have trauma related to other things outside of a loud explosion.”

He says if you know a neighbor that’s a combat veteran, you should take that under consideration if you blow off fireworks.

Mynczywor says if you know someone with PTSD and they say they’re not interested in seeing fireworks, don’t push them. Please support them and don’t make them feel bad about it.

St. Cloud VA Public Affairs Officer Barry Venable says they’re here to help.

“Fireworks aren’t the problem. PTSD is the problem. And if veterans have PTSD and aren’t being treated for it, then we highly encourage them to connect to the VA so we can help them.”

The VA has multiple ways for vets to get help and can call 1-888-823-7458.

For veterans, if they’re experiencing a crisis, they can always call the Veterans Crisis Line 24-seven at 1-800-273-8255.

You can also turn to the National Center on PTSD.

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