Fireworks can be a trigger for vets with PTSD
For Billy Palmer, the Fourth of July and its accompanying fireworks were always a big event. Especially since his dad was a career soldier and his mom was “red and blue, through and through.”
After 20-plus years of service himself, however, including multiple overseas tours and multiple experiences with explosions, Palmer now likes to avoid the fireworks altogether.
“The days leading up to and after the holiday, I have to be sort of mentally prepared that there’s going to be explosions going off,” Palmer said. “That there’s going to be fireworks going off.”
As a combat veteran diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, the booms and whistling of fireworks can bring back unwelcome memories for Palmer. He said fireworks can cause the most damage when they’re set off unexpectedly on a random day, for example.
“The explosion will startle you and get your heart rate going. It gives you that initial scare. Then that scare might remind you of previous scares,” he said.
While he might not enjoy them these days, Palmer understands how big a part fireworks play in the holiday. He said he’s not calling for a full-out stop to fireworks, but rather for people to be considerate and understanding of vets.
For example, Palmer said people can give their veteran neighbors a heads up if they plan to set off fireworks nearby.
The non-profit Military with PTSD sells yard signs that ask people to be courteous with fireworks because of a veteran living nearby. The sign is currently free. You can get yours here.
