Montana VA Urges Residents to Consider Effects of PTSD Before Using Fireworks

The Montana Department of Veterans Affairs is urging the public to consider veterans suffering from PTSD before using fireworks.

“The Fourth of July can be a difficult time for our nation’s heroes, as the sounds, smells and shockwaves of fireworks can create images, sounds and smells that can trigger flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety,” Montana VA Executive Director, VA said in a news release.

The Montana VA offered the following advice to July 4th veterans suffering from PTSD:

• If you are affected by the fireworks, reach out to your loved ones and support networks. Let them know that you will need them to check in and be there for you.
• Veterans receiving their health care from MTVAHCS can call 406-447-6000 to speak with a counselor about coping mechanisms, anxiety, flashbacks and other mental health support.
• Veterans in crisis and those who care about them can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press 1) to speak with trained counselors or visit veteranscrisisline.net.
• Veterans suffering from PTSD can access a free app on their smartphone called PTSD Coach, which includes coping mechanisms for PTSD.
• Earplugs, headphones, and white noise machines can help block out the sound of fireworks.
• Consider leaving the city to go to quieter areas or where fireworks are not allowed.

The Montana Department of Veterans Affairs sent the following message:

The Montana VA Health Care System encourages all Montanans and non-veterans to consider veterans and the impacts of fireworks on individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) before lighting a firework.

Many people are unaware that celebrating the 4th of July can affect others, and a conversation is the easiest way to start that awareness and support those living with PTSD.

“The Fourth of July can be a difficult time for our nation’s heroes, as the sounds, smells and shockwaves of fireworks can create images, sounds and smells that can trigger flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety,” said Executive Director Duane Gill. “Every Montanan can and should help veterans suffering from PTSD avoid surprise fireworks. We encourage all Montanans, and especially non-veterans, to think of our neighbors who helped win the freedom we celebrate on the Fourth of July.”

For veterans suffering from PTSD, these tips and resources can help:

If you are affected by the fireworks, reach out to your loved ones and support networks. Let them know that you will need them to check in and be there for you.

Veterans receiving their health care from MTVAHCS can call 406-447-6000 to speak with a counselor about coping mechanisms, anxiety, flashbacks and other mental health support.

Veterans in crisis and those who care about them can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press 1) to speak with trained counselors or visit veteranscrisisline.net.

Veterans suffering from PTSD can access a free app on their smartphone called PTSD Coach, which includes coping mechanisms for PTSD.

Earplugs, headphones, and white noise machines can help block out the sound of fireworks.

Consider leaving the city to go to quieter areas or where fireworks are not allowed.

More information and resources on PTSD are available at https://ptsd.va.gov.

The Montana VA Health Care System serves more than 49,000 enrolled veterans throughout Montana, an area of ​​approximately 147,000 square miles. Veterans are cared for by a staff of 1,400 at 18 care sites throughout the state. One-third of Montana VA employees are veterans.