‘It’s pretty traumatic:’ Fourth of July festivities pose challenges for veterans living with PTSD
DELMARVA- “If I know they’re getting ready to go off, it doesn’t bother me too much. When it catches me off guard, that’s when I’m hitting the ground and starting to crawl away. I’ll have nightmares that night and I mean it’s pretty traumatic,” Hardy said.
For many, fireworks are the celebratory sound that signifies the 4th of July holiday is here. Yet for U.S. Army Veteran Chris Hardy, who was diagnosed with PTSD, it’s anything but celebratory. “The one’s that really get us is when they’re shooting off around the neighborhood unexpectedly and we don’t know where it’s coming from,” Hardy said.
Local psychologist Dr. Heather Brown says the large crowds and loud noises can be triggering for veterans. She says they can experience everything from anxiety to depression. “In the worst-case scenario, they can even go into a full fledge flashback of something that occurred with that loud noise if they were in combat, had been in a gun fight, or anything of that nature. Even bombs,” Heather Brown, PhD Registered Psychology Associate under the supervision of Dr. Samantha Scott at Behind The Lines Inc. said.
To help avoid that, Dr. Brown says most veterans will limit contact with others or completely isolate themselves. She says they can even turn to drugs or alcohol to help suppress what they’re feeling. “That can be counterproductive at times because that can lower their inhibitions which can also increase anxiety,” Dr. Brown said.
PTSD didn’t take Hardy away from his passion of serving others. He’s the founder of US Kennels in Salisbury, matching rescue dogs with disabled veterans to provide them support.
Hardy says we can all do more for those that served than just celebrating considerately. “Especially nowadays they have some type of sign like hats, shirts, or some type of military paraphernalia. Just ask them if it’s okay. We’re pretty easy going,” Hardy said.
Hardy also tells us the general public’s awareness on supporting veterans with PTSD has increased but wants to remind all to keep everyone in mind when celebrating. He also says that those impacts can also be seen with first responders.
If you’re a veteran in crisis this holiday, Dr. Heather Brown says there are resources available including the 24/7 Veterans Crisis Line. To access that, dial 988 then press 1.
