(Helena) Montana VA Health Care System encourages all Montanans and non-Veterans to consider Veterans and the impacts of fireworks on people with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder before they light a firework.
Many people are not aware that a Fourth of July celebration could affect others, and a conversation is the simplest way to start that awareness and support people with PTSD.
The VA says that affected veterans can reach out to their support systems, call counselors for help with coping mechanisms, and to consider investing in earplugs or headphones that can dampen the noise. Veterans in crisis are urged to call 988.
List of Tips:
1. If fireworks impact you, reach out to your loved ones and support systems. Let them know that you will need them to check in and be there for you.
2. Veterans who receive their healthcare from MTVAHCS can call 406-447-6000 to speak with a counselor on coping mechanisms, anxiety, flashbacks, and any other mental health support.
3. Veterans in crisis and those concerned about them can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press 1) to talk with qualified responders or visit veteranscrisisline.net.
4. Veterans experiencing PTSD can access a free app on their smartphones called PTSD Coach, which includes coping mechanisms for PTSD.
5. Earplugs, headphones, and white noise machines can help block out the noise of fireworks.
6. Consider heading out of town to quieter places or where fireworks are not allowed.
7. More information and resources on PTSD is available at https://ptsd.va.gov.
