Fireworks: Beautiful Displays of Color or Recipe for Disaster?
When people think of fireworks, they might remember an event they went to for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or really any summer event. Some might think of beautiful, bright colors popping up in the sky. For others, especially individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism-Spectrum Disorder, other medical and mental health disorders, or veterans, fireworks might not be associated with positive memories or feelings.
They are associated with startled responses, crying and meltdowns, and fear. Fireworks are loud, bright, and unexpected. You might not know when they are coming, you don’t know which ones are going to be the “big, loud ones,” and you don’t know which colors you will see. All of these features that some love about fireworks are the exact reason some hate them.
For veterans, especially those diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), fireworks can bring them back to combat. Think about it… most fireworks happen at night. They are sudden bursts of loud noise and colors. That could remind a veteran of being in the midst of battle and being under attack. PTSD isn’t unique to veterans- it can happen to anyone who was involved or witnessed a life-threatening situation. That means that individuals who might have been involved in gun violence or intimate partner violence/domestic violence or are first-responders are all included in the category. I am sure I am even leaving out other survivors.
Sensitivity to sound is a common symptom for many diagnoses, including but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Individuals with these diagnoses might become overwhelmed with the noise (and visual aspect), and go into sensory overload causing behavioral meltdowns, intense fear and anxiety, and difficulties calming down.
For those who might night enjoy fireworks, here are some helpful tips:
Find a room in the house that the fireworks might not be as loud and cannot be seen.
Use other external noise to block out the sound (e.g., white noise machine, music, TV).
Go to a safe friend or family member’s home that is not in the area of the fireworks.
Ask a safe family member or friend to come over.
Leave the event early or skip it altogether.
Use of headphones or earplugs.
Speak to your mental health and medical providers to determine if medication during these times would be appropriate.
Speak to neighbors who might be setting off fireworks and see if you can come to an agreement. Perhaps they can let you know ahead of time when they plan to set them off.
For veterans, there are lawn signs you can put up to alert people that you live there and fireworks might be triggering. Lawn signs aren’t for everyone, and I wouldn’t want anyone to be forced to release information about their medical or mental health condition. However, this is an option.
If you are someone who likes to use fireworks, take into consideration that those around you might not. If you are setting off fireworks (legally), try the following:
Do it at expected times, such as Independence Day, and not on a random Thursday evening in March. People who dislike fireworks can plan for these events, they cannot plan for random days throughout the year.
Set the fireworks off at a reasonable time, checking with local noise ordinances. In general, people don’t appreciate being woken up to fireworks at 2 am, especially those who may have seen combat.
If you are part of an organization or event committee, send out alerts to the areas that the fireworks would impact. My one dog is petrified of fireworks. I cannot tell you how thankful I am that the two event halls near where have an e-mail chain you can sign up for. They alert you of any planned fireworks that morning.
Speaking of lawn signs, maybe putting out a sign or alert to neighbors (e-mail, social media) that you plan to set fireworks off. This allows others to plan ahead.
Fireworks are often displayed during patriotic holidays, and how ironic since many soldiers and veterans can’t stand the sight or sound of them. If you are someone who loves fireworks, I am not saying you CAN’T set them off. Well, please first check to make sure what you are doing is legal. Second, I am suggesting that you be kind and considerate of others who may be near you when setting them off. Think of something that causes fear in you. Would you want someone exposing you to that at random, and sometimes frequent times in one season?
This article was inspired by the summer season, where many individuals around my own home set off fireworks. It was also inspired by the upcoming holiday, a common time to hear and see these magnificent displays. Regardless of your plans this summer and holiday weekend, please be safe and happy.
If you are a veteran in crisis, there is help. You are important and your feelings are valid. Thank you for your service to our country and freedom. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made. For free, confidential support that is available 24/7, please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. Chat is also available on their website or you can text them at 838255.