Living with PTSD

AIR DATE: Thursday, July 3rd 2008
Should we stop fireworks on The Fourth to help people with PTSD?

LISTEN TO "Living with PTSD" (24MB MP3)When you hear "Fourth of July" what's the first image that comes to mind? For many it is fireworks. Brightly colored pyrotechnics have exploded into the sky to celebrate America's independence from Britain since 1777 when Americans first celebrated with "bonfires, bells and fireworks."

For many these explosions signify celebration, independence, and patriotism. But for people who have lived through combat -- and who now suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) -- those bangs can trigger terrible fear and horrible memories.

PTSD is an anxiety disorder people sometimes experience after traumatic events such as combat experience, sexual assaults, or car accidents. Recent studies show that about 30 percent of people who have been in a war zone experience PTSD. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this percentage might be considerably higher. Nearly 40,000 U.S. troops who served in Afghanistan and Iraq between 2003 and 2007 have already been diagnosed by the military with PTSD.

Tomorrow we'll speak with people for whom PTSD is a daily reality. We'll find out what the world looks, and sounds, like to them; and discover how popping balloons and back-firing cars affect them. And we want to know what you think -- should we consider canceling fireworks on the Fourth to help people who served in war, but now live with the nightmares?

Do you have PTSD -- or do you know someone who does? What are your triggers? And how do you cope?

GUESTS:

  • Kilong Ung: Former president of the Cambodian-American Community of Oregon, who came to the state after escaping from the genocide under the Khmer Rouge
  • Jim Palmer: Veterans Service Officer for the Department of Aging and Veterans Affairs in Washington County and a Vietnam Veteran who has suffered from PTSD.
  • Jim Sardo: A two-tour miliatary psychologist who manages the PTSD Clinical Team and Substance Abuse Services at the Portland Veterans Affairs Meidcal Center, and a major in the Air Force Reserves

Photo credit: Esherman / Flickr / Creative Commons

Tagged as: july 4th · mental health · military · ptsd · veteran · war

"And we want to know what you think -- should we consider canceling fireworks on the Fourth to help people who served in war, but now live with the nightmares?"

It would be wrong to punish every American just because some Americans chose to go to war.

After Vietnam I camped with some of those vets and we found that river rocks around campfires would explode and scare the hell out of those guys, so we learned not to use river rocks.

But we can't change everything in the world to accommodate a few. There will always be loud noises and they need to get desensitized to them.


There are places where fireworks are banned, like in the forests, so those are places available to people who can't or don't want to be around fireworks.
Tom D Ford —
I tend to agree with you, Tom. I've had active PTSD for five years, and while fireworks (and all loud noises) can terrify me and be extremely difficult for me to cope with, I have never once thought that all fireworks should be canceled across America because it's difficult for ME to deal with them. For most, it is a time of celebration and fun times. For sufferers of PTSD, it can be a time of avoidance, isolation, fear, and so much worse.

Canceling fireworks would anger so many on so many levels. Even in my own little world, I have encountered enough people who don't have PTSD say things like, "Why don't you just get over it?... Or just plug your ears for crying out loud?" There is so little understanding from those who do NOT suffer from this disorder. There is no way to fully comprehend the effect triggers have on someone with PTSD, if you have not suffered it yourself. It is not merely a jolt like being startled and then you laugh about it. The fear and anxiety it triggers resonates in your entire body and it does not dissipate, and it makes you want to react, and maybe even fight for your life. And it can last for hours or even days.

Bottom line, I guess, is that this is MY disorder, and it is up to me to keep moving forward and learn how to live with my symptoms and triggers. It is not up to America to make my life easier. It's up to me to face PTSD head on and fight it until I've won. It may be a lifelong battle, but it's mine and mine alone.

I am grateful for the support I HAVE received from family, counselors, and online support groups and forums. They have saved me at times. But it's still my battle.
jhiatt —
"It may be a lifelong battle, but it's mine and mine alone."

Thanks for the reply. I wish you well.
Tom D Ford —
Smell is the most effective way to get people to remember the past. I think that the smell of blackpowder is a best way to remind Americans of the 1776 Colonial Revolution against Great Britain.


The colonists were considered terrorists by the British so that is in our birthright, overthrowing bad and tyrannical government. In order to remind Americans of that birthright I think that Fireworks ought to be required on the Fourth and on every other possible occasion. I think children ought to be taught in school how to handle and light fireworks safely every year of school so they get it and so we can stop all the efforts to ban fireworks, both personal and public.
Tom D Ford —
I don't have wartime induced PTSD, but various life experiences have led me hate the sound of artillery launches and the subsequent explosions and react viscerally to them. Not only my body hates explosions, but my mind and soul hate what they represent.

The "rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air" is an image of death and horror. The point of the national anthem is that the horror of rockets nonetheless gave light to something better: the flag. They are the OPPOSITE of what the flag represents in the anthem. Listen:

"And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there."

And note: Those were the ENEMY rockets attacking Fort McHenry. The flags illumination by the rockets is intended to be IRONIC. The very instruments of death that attacked us, illuminated the flag and gave hope. The meaning comes when we understand the primary meaning of rockets. Without that conciousness we pretty much miss the whole point of the line. To make the rockets central to the celebration in an un-ironic way, as if they represent OUR power, is bad reading of poetry, if nothing else. Instead of understanding that (and who can expect the public to understand poetic irony in the national anthem) today on the Fourth of July we simply enjoy the bombs and rockets red glare... the light produced by the technology of death.

Sure, it's just pretty colors to most people, but lest we forget, the thud of artillery accompanies every colorful display. If you've seen death, heard the thud of artillery in conflict, or really focused on what war means (even as a civilian) then that is a sound you never want to hear again. These explosive displays are really a glorification of killing technology.

You might say that it DOES represent what this empire and nation stands for - a glorification of raw power. I'd prefer to hope that the explosions of the Fourth of July are a sad distortion of what this place and community could stand for.

I make every effort to be out of ear shot, and I never feel more alienated from America than on the Fourth.

An American commentator from 50 years ago, James Cabel, said "patriotism is the religion of hell." That's not a bad description of what I feel when watching people get all solemn and worshipful at a fireworks display. At those moments I find myself living in some kind of alternate world where no one gets the reality they are living in or the meaning of the symbols they participate in. (At least I prefer to be hopeful that they don't get it, and not consider the possibility that they do get it.) At no time is Cabel's comment more understandable than during the hellish quasi-religious rocket demonstrations that count as a celebration of America every July Fourth.

Perhaps you will think this too far out of the box to present to your listeners, but I'll bet that there is a significant group out there who have no real PTSD, but find the Fourth of July traumatic on a visceral and symbolic level anyway. I certainly sympathize with veterans who can't bear it. I think they know the reality of war. It is written in their bodies, and they are the sane ones... not the crowds who love the explosions.
Mike222 —
We could cancel big fireworks shows, but what won't happen is convincing individuals NOT to buy and shoot off their own fireworks. It is the latter, because they are unpredictable and randomly occur over days, that are more likely to provoke fear and anxiety in someone with PTSD. But this is America, home of the selfish, and we certainly couldn't NOT have fireworks on the 4th, when they are fun and pretty and make us go "OOH", even if our fun causes suffering in the veterans we claim to honor. The majority of Americans seem unwilling to actually make sacrifices, no matter how much lip service they give to the importance of doing so. (Case in point: more people now favor drilling offshore vs. conservation of oil. Do you think these folks are going to give up their bottle rockets?)
Katie C —
I will even go further to say that I think that any time the US is actively fighting in other parts of the world, we should not celebrate with fireworks. The sounds and "pretty colors" that we are supposed to enjoy on the 4th are causes of fear and death in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, I would think that if we were truly supportive of this country, we would honor soldiers that have fought for us by not triggering their PTSD.
ennoia —
I know ex-soldiers with PTSD from combat and many more civilian friends with PTSD from personal traumas and it just isn't practical to accomodate everyone with a problem. I'm not a big fan of fireworks - like many people I have to sedate my dog to make it through the 4th - but they are an important tradition to many and especially for kids. None of the veterans I know would be willing to deprive their children or anyone else's because of their own discomfort.
I can think of one thing, however - how about local theaters and concert halls offering free or discounted admission to veterans on the 4th to give them a place to go that is somewhat insulated from the public celebrations outdoors?
John in Salem —
I have not served in the US Military, but have friends and family members who have. I am very proud of their service and willingness to sacrifice, and I still believe that America is a wonderful country and worth fighting for. I do not speak for any veteran - only represent my own opinion.
For many years I have had trouble watching fireworks because of what they literally represent - bombs and gunfire. I try to remind myself of the ideal behind the commotion - the good in the world that is worth fighting for, if you will. Still, when I hear fireworks, in my mind I see people dying.
I think telling people to just "desensitize" themselves is short-sighted. What else should we de-sensitize ourselves to? Every one of us is, has, or will go through pain in our lives. Responding by treating each other will a little more kindness and humility seems a more humane attitude than just telling people to get over it.
I've struggled to come up with an alternative, since I do belive the 4th of July is worth celebrating. So I really appreciate John's suggestion of discounted public venues as quiet alternatives for veterens or other people who struggle with the chaos of fireworks.
I would also go a step further and support a ban on private fireworks sales, or at least a ban on the noisy ones. That way the public displays are at least a little more isolated and easier to escape from. After all, the ultimate celebration of victory is the acheivment of peace. Fireworks do not represent peace.
Jenny H —
I imagine that tens, perhaps hundreds of millions of dollars are spent by people on fireworks each year. I think a great public campaign should be created drawing attention to PTSD and fireworks. Ask the firework-purchasing public to donate half of the money they might otherwise have spent on fireworks to a veterans fund that goe to helping vets' families or vets with physical and emotional problems.
catrina —
With all the fanfare about Presidential candidates and their respective health conditions and how those conditions might affect their ability to lead the country, it would seem that a president with PTSD might make different decisions under pressure than one without. Is there any creedence to this idea or is it hogwash? Secondly, when a successful organization looks for a new leader, usually that leader does not turn out to be someone in their later years with many health problems, particularly psycho-social disorders like PTSD. Why do we not take these same issues into consideration when choosing a leader for the country? Thanks for taking my questions.
Profess —
I think it's important to note that PTSD is a response of the nervous system that show's up in our bodies through our physiology to a traumatic experience, whether it was combat, witnessing horrific events, or emotional trauma. All of which, obviously, are part of war. I'd like people to know about an organization that helps people heal trauma in general, and with PTSD in particular. It's called The Foundation for Human Enrichment and the primary souce of healing trauma is through a process called Somatic Experiencing. It was developed by Dr. Peter Levine and is acknowledged worldwide as an effective treament for trauma healing.The website is www.traumahealing.com
I hope you won't think this an advertisment. The foundation is a non-profit and is currently doing leading edge work in helping people heal PTSD. Thank you for sharing this important resouce for people struggling with unresolved trauma.
PS: I think fireworks should be banned for many reasons.
janicecastelbaum —
There is a type of medication, the beta blockers, that prevent PTSD if taken soon after a traumatic event. Why isn't the military making this available. It could save thousands of individuals from developing this disorder.

It is interesting that individuals came out of the holocaust, WW I and II and were traumatized. But they just went on with their lives. Yes, they had symptoms but they just kept going. They worked, had families, built lives. There is evidence that some of the "treatments" that have been administered for PTSD may actually make it worse.

Susan Bettis
sbettis —
I'm a former Marine and suffer from PTSD. The 4th of July is the most difficult holiday for me and my family. It's not just the noise of the Fireworks but the smell of the gun powder is a very strong trigger. It's hard on my family because I would rather stay in the house with the radio (OPB)blaring in the background as I watch the fort display on T.V.
ddogg 6 —
My only experience with PTSD comes vicariously. With an increasing eye on the news over the past several years, my views about celebrating the 4th of July with fireworks have changed dramatically. Not only are those actively involved in combat affected, but also uncountable numbers of civilians being exposed to war. Maybe I'm over analyzing, but it seems to me, that fireworks emulate bombs via colorful explosions and violent sounds intentionally.

I live in Vancouver, only a couple miles from the annual 4th celebration at Fort Vancouver - listening to the huge explosions in the distance with what others may have experienced in my mind is sobering and terrifying.
yourTVlies —
Hello, I am recovering from PTSD. I was in a horrible cross-over head-on motor vehicle accident last July on Hwy 26 near Sandy, OR.
5 people died, 4 on the scene and my husband a few days later.
The intensity of the impact of the three cars colliding and the sounds, smells and sights still plague me. I have to close my eyes when watching any kind of movie or image with special effect car accidents. My body still remembers all the feelings of the accident- I find a few things helpful- yoga, prayer, and a good therapist.
The banging of the fireworks has brought back some feelings of panic, but there's no sense in changing this tradition- I find it therapeutic to return to normal life as naturally as possible.
LindseyL —
Hello,
I also have PTSD and feel for all the veterans with PTSD. I think one of my hopes is that all the discussion of PTSD in the last few years will result in a wider understanding of PTSD in the general culture. Also I hope that the fact that PTSD from rape (men & women) is so common will be included in this greater understanding and be more widely recognized. I would like to see this destigmatized as the difficulty discussing rape adds to the development / maintenance of the PTSD symptoms for survivors.

Here are some stats from the The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA)website:
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD can follow exposure to a traumatic event and symptoms include reliving the traumatic event, avoidance, detachment, and difficulty sleeping and concentrating.
PTSD Statistics:
w Affects 7.7 million, 3.5%
w Women are more likely to be afflicted than men.
w Rape is the most likely PTSD trigger; 65% of men and 45.9% women who are raped will develop the disorder.
Sophie3 —
I hope that those who support a 'ban on fireworks' would also support more gun restriction. Both go 'bang' both have the potential to harm people, both are items that, for many people, are part of the way they express their patriotism. Justa thought.
Profess —
Let?s acknowledge the elephant in the living room here, War. Fireworks are not the problem, most kids are thrilled by fireworks while growing up, it is only after growing up and making war that they get PTSD and learn to be afraid of loud noises. War is the problem that ought to be addressed!


Blood Oil, wars for Oil, is the major cause of far too many of these problems.
Tom D Ford —
Good Morning,

My oldest brother is a Vietnam Vet and was diagnosed with PTSD. I have not heard from him or about him in over 8 years. Last I knew he moved to San Diego and after our Mother passed away none of his siblings have heard from him.

I know he did have constant contact with the VA but I don't know how to find out about him.

I know this is not about the specific topic is there someone in the VA I can contact that will help find out where he is and his status?

Thank you,
Jenny Martinez
jennym —
I don't know about the VA but just try calling them. Also try your US senators and representatives, they can and often do work wonders in pulling strings and making government work for you, and I can't recommend them strongly enough, they scare the hell out of department heads.

I have always kept in mind that in an emergency I could call the local police and/or Sheriff for help in locating someone, so you might try the San Diego County Sheriff. Even if they can't help they might offer suggestions.

Good luck, I wish you and your brother well and reconnection.
Tom D Ford —

while we're at it maybe we should ensure that all motor vehicles are tuned up so that they never backfire. I doubt if very many veterans would want a ban on fireworks and it's obviously something that is never going to happen so why even discuss it? You must really be having a hard time coming up with topics. OPB should bring back the show that used to be on at 9 in the morning.
rastamasta —
Should the opening ceremony of the Olympics be banned? How about fireworks at Disneyland, and at ballparks. How about that great pyrotechnic show in Australia at the turn of the millenium? How about Chinese New Years? The Europeans have great fireworks traditions, would you ban them also? Ban them in Mexico?


Fireworks are seen as celebratory all around the world, I think it is just very wrong to ban them just because some people have PTSD.


Sheesh! Ban war and celebrate that ban with fireworks!
Tom D Ford —
I agree with Tom. Banning the firework isn't going to solve the PTSD. We need a different solution to PTSD.

I am also wondering if PTSD is a scapegoat for banning the firework. There has to be a better reason if we were going to cancel the firework.

kilongung.blogspot.com
Kilong —
I served in U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam for 20 months. I never considered myself as having PTSD. I struggled with my problems and viewed them as solely related to me and my personality. I saw private therapists, group therapy, and therapeutic retreats, both religious and non-religious. When I had problems at work, I worked longer and harder. I periodically retreated from the world for several months to a couple of years. Disconnected from frients and family who wondered if they had offended me. It was only at the suggestion of a veteran friend and out of desperation I accidently went to a VA Vet Center. Once I engaged in counseling and realized the source of my problem, everything became clear. My historical struggles and problems made sense. This was so empowering and gave me such a wonderful feeling of hope. I could never understand why I would often be unable to watch a suspenseful movie without feeling overwhelming anxiety. Why I brokedown and cried like a baby watching "Saving Private Ryan". The VA Vet Center has been a life saver for me.
MeanMachine2 —
The Navajo have a days long healing ceremony for returning warriors because they know they have been damaged by battle. I wish that the US would take a hint and take the same care in healing and training returning warriors back to civilian life that they do in training them for war.
Tom D Ford —
I think I left so much unsaid because I needed to get to my meeting. One thing I wanted say was to urge people not to cancel the firework. It is a treasure, and it is a privilege to be able to see something that spectacular. One way to cope with PTSD is to think of others. In this case, think of the children and how much joy the firework brings to their lives. (Cancel water guns and the likes before the firework.) I think I mentioned on the air that being up close and personal beneath the firework helps me separate firework from the war zone.

kilongung.blogspot.com
Kilong —
Unfortunately, my night didn't end as planned. You may read about the rest of my 4th of July night here: http://kilong-ung.blogspot.com/2008/07/virtual-war-zone-on-4th-of-july-ptsd.html
Kilong —

Comments are now closed.

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