TEMPLE, Texas — The Fourth of July can be an emotionally triggering holiday for Veterans and those experiencing stress disorders given the heightened activity and all too familiar sounds of explosions from fireworks.
Tracey Brown-Greene, chair for the Department of Texas Veteran's of Foreign Wars Suicide Awareness program, said she takes calls nearly around the clock on days like the Fourth of July from veterans because she said the sounds of explosions can "take a veteran back to a time when they were on the battlefield."
"That sound can trigger them," Brown-Greene said. "For Veterans who were down range (of enemy gun fire) it takes a lot for them to get rid of that."
Brown-Greene said if you're attending fireworks with a veteran loved one tell-tale signs they could be experiencing a stress-induced episode include skin color turning pail, fussiness and uneasiness and they may go completely quiet.
"The crowds may make them feel that they don't want to watch the fireworks, so the best thing you can do is help them try and distract themselves from what's going on," Brown-Greene said. "A lot of them will try and push through the situation for their children or grandchildren but their moods can change from uncomfortable, to protective to anxious without warning during a fireworks display."
Brown-Greene said grounding techniques such as reminding a veteran that they're "here" enjoying the celebration with their family and not over seas, followed by physical touch to their hand or shoulders and telling them to take "deep breaths" can help "ground them."
"Try getting them to talk and see what they're thinking," Brown-Greene said. "Remind them that they're not at war, they're at peace and with their family."
Brown-Greene said she will be at the Temple VFW Post 1820 this evening during the celebrations, along with chaplins to care for Veteran's and help them avoid an emotionally triggering episode.
"Have patience with yourself and to remember that you are not over seas and no matter what thoughts are going to go through your head," Brown-Greene said.
Brown-Green said for Veterans, fireworks don't always symbolize freedom and patriotism like they may for other Americans. She suggests removing a Veteran loved one from an emotionally triggering situation, allowing them to isolate in a dark room away from stressors and assisting them through the emotional rollercoaster they may be on, can help.