It’s Real Talk TYME on this What’s Up Wednesday!
Veterans, Fireworks and PTSD/Anxiety
Two of the most celebrated days with fireworks are New Year’s Eve and 4th of July! Two of my mental health challenges as a Veteran are PSTD & Anxiety. Fireworks are a trigger for me. However, I truly enjoy them. What I am mean by that is, I love the colors and how the fireworks light up the sky, what I don’t like is the fireworks that sound like a bomb, gun or canon. That is a bit much! Even though my anxiety doesn’t allow me to be around a lot of people, I challenge myself to push through to be able to enjoy some of things I like to do. Entertaining is one of them.
As I invited my family and the sunshine started to fade and the darkness set it, I became very anxious. I was anxious of the unknown. My family and I ate dinner, played cornhole, listened to music and even sipped on some tasty wine to relax all of us. Nothing could prepare us for the loud sounds of the cannons, bomb-sounding fireworks or possibly gunshots. It was very overwhelming, traumatizing and triggering to say the least. At that point my anxiety was at an all time high and my PTSD definitely was in full effect. I was praying that I would not have any nightmares from the sounds of a fun night.
I am a person who like to have a great time especially with family but I do understand what my triggers are. I always prep myself the night before or the day of for the awesome firework show in our neighborhood. From reading numerous comments in my residential neighborhood, I can agree and disagree with some of the comments. I agree that people should be able to celebrate how they want and with fireworks. It happens once or twice a year and we as Veterans or anybody dealing with mental health challenges should be prepared for it. What I do not disagree with, is the loud and scary fireworks, especially in a residential neighborhood. Those are just my two cents.
Here are some ways to prepare and cope:
Ask you neighbors to let you know if they plan to set off fireworks.
Prepare a self-care took kit. (positive thoughts, favorite photos for joy, favorite soothing music and smelling fragrances.
Cover your ears.
Darken your room.
Allow yourself to accept the reactions that you have.
Plan a getaway.
Practice self-regulation and grounding techniques. (Breathing exercises, notice your surroundings and sensory exercise to feel centered, grounded and calm.)
Practice mindfully eating.
Use an app for assistance. (For anxiety, panic and PTSD coping free apps – Virtual Hope Box and PTSD Coach.)
Seek help.
For more tools or coping mechanisms please email me at realtalktyme9@gmail.com.