As America Celebrates, Veteran Advocates Highlight Hidden Struggles of PTSD
DELAWARE — The Fourth of July is almost here, and with it comes America’s 250th birthday celebration. As communities prepare for the milestone, WMDT spoke with a veteran organization about how PTSD can complicate the holiday for some veterans.
PTSD affects everyone differently. For some veterans, the loud sounds of fireworks can resemble gunfire and trigger traumatic memories. For others, large crowds can be overwhelming or even debilitating. That’s why Irreverent Warriors is encouraging the community to check in on veterans and offer support during the holiday.
Operation We Care, CEO and Founder, Jeff Merritt said, “It is important to understand that PTSD affects differs people in different ways. If you know of someone dealing with PTSD, please be mindful of that.”
Irreverent Warriors member Branden Zeitler said, “The term IGY6 — ‘I Got Your Six’ — is something serious that we take because 22 veterans a day commit suicide.”
For many Americans, fireworks are a celebration of freedom. But for some veterans, each explosion of color can bring back painful memories.
“It brings them back to where they had to deal with trauma and all the pain and hurt, they had to go through, watching their brothers and sisters die right in front of them in combat,” Zeitler said.
Those memories can turn joyful summer celebrations into reminders of the battles some service members continue to fight long after returning home. Zeitler said something as simple as checking in on a veteran can make a difference.
“You can see when a veteran is going through it. You can tell by the look on their face, their body language, or anything that shows they’re really hurting inside,” Zeitler said.
He said humor and camaraderie help break the isolation many veterans experience, which is why he’s making buddy checks ahead of the holiday.
“As a community, when you see that person is absent, make sure they know they’re still loved. Try to get them out, or even just show up. Sometimes just letting them know they’re loved makes all the difference. When it comes down to it, love conquers all.”
Zeitler said his support system includes Facebook groups, social media, and fellow members of Irreverent Warriors. Having people, he can call, or text helps stop the downward spiral before it gets worse.
“Having that support system doesn’t just get you out of the funk. It saves your life. What people think is just help—it’s not just help. It’s a lifeline,” Zeitler said.
