For most people, fireworks are an enjoyable and exciting part of celebrating special occasions. Holidays like the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve are marked by Americans with dazzling displays of fireworks and sparklers. No one really considers how the festivities may affect people like veterans of war. The loud noise and flashing lights can actually cause veterans to relive the horrors of war. This makes firework shows upsetting rather than enjoyable for them. Read more about the anxiety seemingly harmless fireworks can spark in the honorable men and women who have been to war.
MLive.com – For veterans, fireworks can trigger post traumatic stress disorder symptoms – MLive.com
“When something like a loud noise first triggers arousal there are racing thoughts, an increased heart rate and panic-like symptoms,” Miller said. “Next comes the desire to avoid the situation, and then they re-experience memories they would rather not.”.
