TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - When you think of the Fourth of July, you think of barbecue, the pool, and of course fireworks.
But for some people, one of those things doesn't sound quite so enticing.
WTXL ABC's Jada Williams on Wednesday covered why fireworks not the best entertainment for some neighbors.
To many combat veterans with PTSD, the fireworks display can take them back to bad memories.
Williams talked to one veteran about how a Fourth of July staple can ruin the holiday for some.
Combat veteran Rob Boyd/ Combat Veteran said that "Many of times in Tallahassee, we sit back and joke and say it sounds like Beruit."
Boyd fought in Desert Storm. "For most people, a loud and unexpected bang will startle them, but there's a difference when veterans with PTSD are involved," he said. "I think the difference is, instead of just jumping, from people who are suffering from PTSD, is it triggers memories."
He said those memories do not have to be related to military battle.
Matthew Tutterow, a behavioral health social worker at Capital Regional Medical Center, said that "PTSD can affect a whole slew of people aren't combat related. Rape victims, people exposed to trauma."
So what do you tend to see when someone with PTSD is affected?
"Irritability, reckless behavior," Tutterow said. "You might see them trying to get away from the stimulus."
But Boyd says before people start talking about taking away the freedom to light fireworks off independently there's a simple solution.
"If you do have an issue with fireworks and PTSD, then maybe share that with your neighbors," Boyd said.
Much like anything else, no two cases of PTSD are the same, and different veterans handle things in different ways.
"I have one friend, that's his entertainment," Boyd said, "and another who waves to us all and says see ya."
So remember that a little communication can go a long way when making sure everyone enjoys their Fourth of July.
Another great point Boyd brought up is time and distance. He says a lot of older vets are more accustomed to world outside of combat, whereas the younger vets are still having a harder time getting accustomed to the new norm.
