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Fireworks Can Trigger PTSD Symptoms for Many Veterans

Just a few days ago the nation celebrated the birth of our country by lighting off and watching fireworks. Not all veterans appreciate that type of celebration, however. Many veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) avoid such celebrations because of the memories they can elicit.

For such veterans, quiet solace is safe harbor at this time of year. The sound and smell of fireworks often trigger flashbacks. This, in turn, causes veterans to suffer such emotions as hyperawareness and anxiety. For many veterans, firecrackers resemble the sound of small arms being fired.

Estimates of how many Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from PTSD range from 11% - 20%. For Vietnam veterans, that figure is closer to 33%. At those percentages, a firecracker set off anywhere in a major city is likely within a veteran's earshot.

There is also a distinct difference between commercial fireworks displays and randomly shot off fireworks. For many veterans with PTSD, commercial displays are much "safer" because they can be anticipated. This is opposed to bottle rockets or M-80s being fired off randomly, which tend to ignite veterans' "hyper-alertness," and instantly throw them into a combat mindset where they faced dangers coming from unknown directions.

It is a conditioned response. For many veterans with PTSD, triggering this response often leads to extended emotional issues, to include bouts of depression.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.