As people prepare for their annual Fourth of July celebrations, they typically pull out their grills, picnic blankets, American flags and most importantly fireworks.People crowded Robbie’s Fireworks, stacking their baskets with colorful and festive explosives. Many of them expressed how capping the night off with fireworks is their favorite part of the holiday. “Popping fireworks! It’s so much fun because I like the noise, and I like the color and everything,” said 10-year-old Kingston as he shopped with his mom. Health Officials at Lighthouse Healing Center said that people with PTSD, particularly veterans, can be triggered by the sounds of fireworks, which are very loud.”It can bring back combat memories or just sensations in their bodies or increase anxiety or panic attacks,” said Christen Gates, an employee of the Healing Center. The Lighthouse Healing Center says they have been treating patients with PTSD since 2022. The mental health facility wants to raise awareness about the harmful impact of common Fourth of July celebrations. They encourage people to find more inclusive ways to celebrate. For instance, they say you can wear noise-cancelling headphones during a fireworks show or you can attend a laser light show. The Healing Center says people dealing with PTSD should always acknowledge their needs.”Early boundaries and encouraging people to talk about what they need will allow family members to set up a better space for these people,” Gates said.
As people prepare for their annual Fourth of July celebrations, they typically pull out their grills, picnic blankets, American flags and most importantly fireworks.
People crowded Robbie’s Fireworks, stacking their baskets with colorful and festive explosives.
Many of them expressed how capping the night off with fireworks is their favorite part of the holiday.
“Popping fireworks! It’s so much fun because I like the noise, and I like the color and everything,” said 10-year-old Kingston as he shopped with his mom.
Health Officials at Lighthouse Healing Center said that people with PTSD, particularly veterans, can be triggered by the sounds of fireworks, which are very loud.
“It can bring back combat memories or just sensations in their bodies or increase anxiety or panic attacks,” said Christen Gates, an employee of the Healing Center.
The Lighthouse Healing Center says they have been treating patients with PTSD since 2022.
The mental health facility wants to raise awareness about the harmful impact of common Fourth of July celebrations. They encourage people to find more inclusive ways to celebrate.
For instance, they say you can wear noise-cancelling headphones during a fireworks show or you can attend a laser light show.
The Healing Center says people dealing with PTSD should always acknowledge their needs.
“Early boundaries and encouraging people to talk about what they need will allow family members to set up a better space for these people,” Gates said.
