TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — For many, fireworks are a sound of celebration, but for some war zone veterans, those sounds trigger a reminder of the horrors of the battle field, where they fought for our freedom.
July 4 fireworks can trigger Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD in veterans.
Experts say it isn't necessarily community fireworks displays that are the problem, because those are planned events. Often, it is the random fireworks, set off anywhere at any time that trigger PTSD.
But there is help for anyone who needs support for PTSD related issues this Independence Day.
The Vet Center in Tallahassee has a free 24 hour hot-line open on July 4 for vets in need.
"If they are having a really hard time during the night of the fourth, our Vet Center call center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and they are welcome to call and be able to talk to some one," said BaDonna Mitchell, Director of Vet Center.
PTSD symptoms may include intense feelings of distress, anxiety and depression, and extreme physical reactions to reminders of trauma such as nausea, sweating and flashbacks.
The Vet Center is open Wednesday, July 3 from 8:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.
On July 4, their call center is open 24 hours a day and that number is 1-877-927-8387. That's 1-877-WAR-VETS.
Friday, July 5 they are open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All services are free of charge.
