Fourth of July Fireworks are something most people look forward to, but for some Military Veterans , bright lights and explosions can be triggering.
Psychologist Dr. Amy Morin tells KNX News' Pete Demetrio , "The explosions, the sounds of fireworks, the bright lights just really reminds them of things that they don't want to think about, and they may have PTSD , and this could be one of the most dreaded days of the year."
Thankfully, Dr. Morin says that there are ways to manage it.
The first line of defense is to avoid situations where triggers are likely to occur. If avoidance is not possible, plan ahead with distractions and mitigating tools such as noise-canceling headphones.
In the event of unplanned exposure to fireworks, Dr. Morin says there are things a person can do to stay calm.
"You might have some breathing exercises in your hip pocket that you can use," Morin said. "Or a little saying that you give to yourself like 'I'm safe right now,' and to be able to repeat it is helpful too."
Dr. Morin emphasizes the importance of involving friends and family in the process. Having a plan that they can be a part of can make a significant difference, ensuring that the person does not feel alone in those moments.
Morin says as more becomes known about PTSD , more treatments become available, and as awareness grows, more people are willing to reach out and provide help and comfort to those who struggle with PTSD .
If you or someone you know needs help with PTSD, find resources HERE . Resources specifically for Veterans can be found HERE .
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