What to know about veterans and PTSD ahead of the Fourth of July

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – With the Fourth of July just two days away, local healthcare providers and Veterans organizations remind you how fireworks can impact those living with PTSD.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs shows that at least 7 percent of U.S. Veterans would have PTSD at some point in their life. Some of those veterans can be your neighbors, and health professionals urge you to be aware.

“Fireworks can be a distressing reminder for men and women who have served in a combat zone, I think it’s probably common courtesy to let someone know if you’re setting off fireworks and you’re shooting in your street or on your driveway…,” Augusta VA Psychologist Dr. Rick Monroe said.

The Veterans Affairs also says that veterans who deploy are more likely to experience PTSD than those who do not. But experts say folks with PTSD aren’t the only ones affected by it.

“For the families, we’ve also initiated the trauma survivor network which helps provide support and– not as much care– but more support for families and patients during their recovery and post-hospitalization…,” Doctors Hospital Trauma Educator and Outreach Coordinator Cathy Ross-Garron said.

Augusta Veterans Affairs Psychologist Dr. Rick Monroes says Fireworks, and any kind of explosive, can be triggering to someone who has experienced traumatizing situations during their time of service.

“Fireworks can remind someone of combat settings or gun violence and can be difficult to tolerate that distress if it’s unexpected. It’s good to focus and remind yourself of the present, that where you are now is a safe environment, that this is a celebratory event, that this is for fun,” Dr. Monroe said.

Medical Experts say if you’re going to shoot off fireworks it’s good to know how it can impact someone. And this Fourth of July, they want to remind you of services available to you, should you experience an incident.

“The VA has psychotherapy service, typically one session a week over a couple of months, three or four months. But we also have lower levels of care that are focused on skill-building, relaxation, just paying attention to what you’re telling yourself, how you’re feeling…,” Dr. Monroe said.

Experts say there are things you can do if you suffer from PTSD, like finding a quieter place, using some sort of noise canceling headphones, or using medications prescribed to you per your doctor’s orders. For information on those services, visit The Trauma Survivors Network website and VA Augusta Health Care website.

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