For veterans with PTSD, Fourth of July fireworks can trigger bad memories

By SUE VORENBERG

The Columbian, Vancouver, Wash.

Published: June 28, 2012

For most people, fireworks like these exploding over Yokota Air Base in 2011 are a highlight of the Fourth of July holiday. But for those with PTSD, they can bring back bad memories.

YASUO OSAKABE/U.S. AIR FORCE

As the boom of fireworks echoes through his neighborhood, Lee Pisarek often finds himself reaching for his beard.

He couldn't grow facial hair back when he was fighting in Operation Desert Storm because it interfered with his gas mask. So Pisarek, who was injured while serving in the Army in 1992, knows that if his beard is there, he's not back in combat.

For veterans such as Pisarek who have post-traumatic stress disorder, the Fourth of July can be a difficult holiday. Loud fireworks and flashing explosions can trigger memories of life-threatening situations that caused severe trauma, and it can be hard to keep instinctual reactions in check.

COMPLETE STORY HERE: For veterans with PTSD, Fourth of July fireworks can trigger bad memories - News - Stripes