By Hollyanna Call
We are now full-swing into summer! During this month, we love our 4th of July traditions. That includes barbecues and picnics, swimming at the pool, lawn games, camping, and exciting fireworks displays!
While fireworks can be a thrilling experience for a lot of people, for others, it can be a very unpleasant experience. Some people may even find fireworks to be frightening! For persons with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), fireworks may be unbearable or a cause of severe flashbacks.
The National Institute of Mental Health defines PTSD as: “a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.” Flashbacks are experiences where an individual may relive the traumatic event.They may re-experience sights, sounds, scents, and other sensations. Some flashbacks are purely emotional, as is often the case in those who have Complex PTSD or C-PSTD.
The physical and emotional symptoms of PTSD may include: a racing heartbeat, trembling and shaking, sweating, panic attacks, dissociation, trouble sleeping, a sensation of being very alert to real or perceived danger, trouble concentrating or remembering information, and distressing thoughts and feelings.
After a triggering event, those who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may need signals to indicate safety in their immediate environment before resuming their daily activities and routines. For those who have experienced war, the loud sounds and light of fireworks may set off intense flashbacks. These flashbacks can be debilitating.
If you have been diagnosed with PTSD and/or other anxiety mental health conditions, it can be very helpful to create a safety plan. One way to prepare is to evaluate your immediate environment and ask yourself questions that will give you an idea of what to expect:
Some things you can do to alleviate firework stress:
>Find a drone light show instead of fireworks.
>Communicate with family & friends to let them know of your needs and how to accommodate you.
>If you can, find spaces that are sensory friendly.
>Prepare a personalized crisis plan in the event you experience flashbacks.
If you don’t have PTSD but want to be respectful of those who do perhaps you could throw a neighborhood block party that focuses on food, fun, games and connections. Wellness is something we help create for ourselves, but it’s also something we can do at a community level. This July, show care for yourself and others. And let’s make sure we can all enjoy this special time of year.