I like to remind people that fireworks dont just affect PTSD in combat vets.
I have paranoid schizophrenia, severe anxiety and ptsd that has nkthing to do with combat or military and fireworks set me off too.
Be courteous of those around you, don’t set off in the street while in a busy town, and sstop blowing shit up at a reasonable time
Be smart about it. Be respectful. You can choose to set off fireworks – we don’t get to choose go have a psychotic attack or flashbacks or dissassociation ect.
Gentle reminder that combat vets are often triggered by fireworks. If you know of any Veterans in your neighborhood please be courteous. Let them know when you’re going to start.
I’ve seen so many posts about firework safety and warnings to keep an eye on your pets, and I think that’s all very important, but I have yet to see a post about PTSD triggers.
As many of you know, PTSD can manifest itself in many ways, and some of the most common triggers tend to be loud noises and bright lights.
So basically, fireworks are hell for a lot of people suffering from PTSD.
What can you do to help?
-Home fireworks are illegal in a lot of states, but let’s face it…we all manage to get our hands on at least a few firecrackers or sparklers. If you live near someone who you know suffers, then find a place to set them off that’s our of earshot/eyeshot!
-If you know someone personally, make sure you check in with them. And not just the day of. Sit down with them beforehand. Have a talk. Ask them if there’s anything you can do to accommodate them. Make a plan for how to avoid triggers and what to do if something goes wrong.
-REMIND THE PERSON THAT IT IS OKAY. It’s unfortunate, but when it comes to mental illness, people can still consider it to be a weakness or a burden on others. Remind them that they should not be ashamed, their condition is completely valid, and you wouldn’t be offering to help if you didn’t care. Trauma is a very difficult, and very real thing that people have to live with. Make sure they know you understand that.
-Accommodate them. Don’t offer to help and then complain if they ask you to stay home with them and miss the fireworks that year. There will be other chances. The mental health of your loved ones should come before fireworks.
-Keep in mind: all types of people can experience PTSD from all types of traumas, their triggers can vary as well. However, when it comes to explosions and bright lights, the large majority of the people impacted have been involved in the military. I bring this up because The 4th of July is a day to celebrate freedom and independence. Something we would not have without those serving our country. It is because of them that we can continue to celebrate this holiday and they deserve to enjoy it as much as we do.
Be considerate with your 4th of July celebrations. Many of our neighbors are active military or Veterans and fireworks can and will trigger their PTSD. Many have signs in their yards, others will not.
anf for fuck’s sake, keep your pets safe inside, some get scared and start running then get lost, fireworks freaks them out. Give them a mild sedative if you must.
Reminder to be careful with fireworks tomorrow/tonight. Reminder that your neighbors are veterans/ victims of ptsd and that fireworks can be triggering. Be aware of your surroundings and be respectful.
THIS^
Now that people are setting fireworks, I’m on edge. *sigh* fireworks were never allowed where I live, I’m surprised they’re being set off
Fourth of july spontaneous fireworks is doing hell on my sudden-noise panic trigger. I’m literally in life or death mode right now because my body-brain is telling me to duck and cover or else I’m dead.
….Can we cancel this day and just start over again?
Dering Woods a.k.a. Screaming Woods sit just south of what is said to be
the most haunted village in Britain, Pluckley. The woods get their name
because of the blood curdling screams people sometimes hear coming from
the forest late at night. Described as the most haunted woodland in
Kent, Screaming Woods is said to be haunted by a highwayman who was
captured by villagers, brought to the woods, pinned to a tree and killed
with a sword, and a screaming man who is said to have fallen to his
death. Here’s a post from an interesting message board thread where
people are discussing Screaming Woods and sharing experiences.
🔥 There is beauty in destruction🔥 