National PTSD Awareness Day

Today is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day and with the Fourth of July coming up, locals should be aware of how some veterans who suffer from PTSD can be sensitive to fireworks.

Some veterans are triggered by the sounds and smells of fireworks. Fireworks can cause a startle response to the brain to make veterans think with a fight or flight mentality. People who have combat veterans as neighbors should alert them before popping fireworks.

Although the Fourth of July is a celebration, preparing those with PTSD prevents a bad situation from happening. Crusaders for Veterans President Kevin Cuttill said, “If you know you have a combat veteran living nearby and if you go to shoot them off, go talk to them. Just let them know what’s going on. That way they can take whatever necessary precautions they can do. We are not asking people not to enjoy Fourth of July, but be considerate. That’s all we ask.”

Some veterans who suffer from PTSD go on vacation to places they know will not have fireworks around this time of year.