St. Cloud Fireworks Committee Facebook
(KNSI) – Fourth of July Fireworks are a joy for many every year, but it can be unnerving for some who served the nation and cause mental anguish.
Health experts say for combat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a traditional fireworks display can increase agitation and isolation.
St. Cloud Veterans Affairs Medical Center Veterans justice outreach coordinator at the St. Cloud Michael Mynczywor says someone with PTSD can be affected for days afterward.
“They already rev high with the anxiety, so when fireworks go off, it can increase that. And then, for the typical person, when the booms would stop, your anxiety would go down. But when it comes to PTSD, they can rev at high levels for long periods, sometimes even days.”