Local officials remind veterans of fireworks and PTSD

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) –The 4th of July is always full of celebrations, cookouts, spending time out in the summer air, and of course fireworks.

Fireworks can be a sensitive subject for the millions of New Englanders who have served, triggering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms.

“When we hear fireworks we hear…so those cues that they experience sort of change over,” Chris Morse, Senior Social Worker at the Providence V.A., told ABC 6.

Morse gave ABC 6 a few suggestions for any veterans who may be concerned as the holiday gets underway.

The main tips are to plan ahead if possible.

“Little things that they can do…letting their community know about the sensitivities,” he said.

Morse says with legal fireworks, there’s a chance that you might not expect something to pop up, but there are a few things to do if that happens too.

“Plus there’s other things they can do…to the point where they can tolerate the noise,” he said.

Everyone deals with these issues differently, but if you’re looking for help ahead of this or even during, you can reach out to 988, the mental helpline, to be connected with
resources for veterans.