Fireworks can create stress for combat veterans with PTSD

Fireworks are those “bombs bursting in air” that many of us know and love around the fourth of July. But they can be a source of stress for veterans suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) in the aftermath of war.

“Brave men and women go to war, they are on alert 24-7; they see things that you and I may not be able to see in our entire lives,” says Sankar Sewnauth, CEO of CDS Monarch, which runs Warrior Salute, an intensive clinical support program for veterans with PTSD. “When they come back, they are so wound up and need our help to unwind.”

Sewnauth says for veterans try to cope at home, fireworks are just one of many triggers and simple tasks can become difficult to complete.

“They may not be able to go sit in a restaurant, they may not be able to drive,” he says.