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Melissa Jarboe

Founder & CEO Military Veteran Project | Activist | Author SACRIFICED | Mother | Lover of life |

VA Doctors: Fireworks can trigger PTSD in Veterans

7/3/2014

5 Comments

 

A holiday that is meant to celebrate freedom won by the sacrifices of our military, is often one of the least favorite for veterans.

With 4th of July less than one week away, many people are getting ready to celebrate with fireworks. But for some families with retired veterans, those unexpected booms can turn the holiday into a time of fear.

It's a growing concern Dr. Michael Lambert with the Amarillo VA, says he sees especially during this time of year."Think of what they've given for us. We enjoy the fireworks but the explosions they saw were real," he told
us.

VA 
Doctors estimate that around 30% of our veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan are impacted by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, orPTSD's.

It's something Lynz Piper-Loomis knows all too well. Her husband, Ret. MSgt. Jeremy Loomis, medically retired from the Air Force after serving for more than 16 years. Her husband has been home since 2009, but an unexpected firework pop can take him back in just seconds. "It's heart wrenching, it's devastating. In that moment he thinks he back where he was fighting and it triggers some pretty deep emotions and deep memories," Piper-Loomis said.

Local VA Doctors say similar reactions are common among many veterans, especially those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. "If the trauma was related to an explosion or a fire fight, all of those were unexpected blasts that fireworks is a pretty close resemblance," Lambert said.

And while many of us may enjoy letting one of those fire crackers fly, Dr. Lambert says the 4th can be a very difficult holiday for veterans.

"Fire works are fun. They are meant to celebrate something special, our nations birth, and it's a patriotic thing. But where there is a lot of people, or there may be veterans that you know, it may be respectful to discuss it with them or move your fireworks further out," he added.

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5 Comments
J.E. Abbassian
7/3/2014 08:37:35 am

Although I've never been in war combat, I suffer from cPTSD. A condition that started off w/other types if trauma...until my late estranged husband decided to kidnap me, torture me at gunpoint, & eventually shot himself in the head in front of me. My heart goes out to all veterans that experience this 'flashback'. I have the same reaction related to my PTSD experience. Albeit I didn't have but 1 gunshot fired in front of me. I've been around guns my whole life & it's not that I have a fear from handling them in the proper manner - it was the manner that my late estranged husband used his gun on me & himself that instantly caused me to develop PTSD. Everything in my physical bodily functions changed as well as mental. It isn't something that will ever go away & I still have a very bad reaction to fireworks although I love them. Things get better but it never goes away. One thing that helps me now is to acknowledge beforehand that there will be the sounds of 'gunshots' & try to use my rational mind. It doesn't always help, but at least not as bad as if I don't prepare myself. I have actual physical reactions when this happens that I cannot control - it is hard wired now. But, with the right help, it can get better....but never the same. My best wishes to all that will be having to endure this 4th of July explosions that take them back to a place they wish so badly to forget. 😞

Reply
Justin
7/3/2014 10:37:01 am

Thank you. I spent my first fireworks show after I returned home curled in a ball on the ground crying while people around me laughed at me. My family got me out of there once they realized what was happening.

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Justine Nettleton
7/4/2014 12:41:59 pm

My son doesn't do well with the fireworks either anymore. I so feel for you all. My deepest heart felt prayers that this will soon just be a distant memory. We do thank you for your service.

Reply
Heidi Thornton
7/4/2014 09:43:26 am

I have seen my big strong loving husband panic when fireworks or loud sounds are near by. And I can;t help him.to some war never go away. Not in 30years or 1yr

Reply
Amy
7/4/2014 11:34:44 am

I'm so sorry you experienced that Justin and that people treated you that way! Thank you so much for your service! I have heard similar stories and they break my heart. Thank you for sharing your experience and encouraging words to others J.E.

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    My name is Melissa Jarboe, military spouse, wounded warrior wife and war widow. Today and everyday moving forward, I will honor the sacrifice of our men and women who selflessly serve our nation.

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