Fireworks spark fear for veterans with PTSD

SHELBYVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) – Jeremy Harrell, founder and CEO of Veteran’s Club INC, says there is a small percentage of veterans that can be triggered by the sound of fireworks. Fireworks can sound like open fire or small explosions which can trigger flashbacks for veterans.

Despite the fear fireworks may cause, Harrell says he doesn’t want people to stop using fireworks altogether or for veterans to isolate themselves. He says people should follow fireworks ordinances put out by local governments to be considerate of their neighbors who may be struggling.

“As an organization that focuses on the healing and recovery, we want these veterans to once again be out front and see this, right?” says Harrell. “To celebrate something they had an integral part in, and we want them to kinda get out and face that fear, kinda face the challenge, because you have to do that in order to overcome it.”

If you are a veteran and the celebrations become too much, Harrell suggests calling a help line or using noise cancelling headphones to listen to something soothing.