Jacksonville area veterans explain how fireworks can trigger those with PTSD

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The National Center for PTSD says more than 11 out of every 100 veterans who served in Iraq have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

They are the reason we’re able to celebrate the Fourth of July, but the holiday can be traumatic for local veterans.

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Etienne John is a veteran of the war in Iraq.

“I came to this country as a refugee in 2001,” John said.

John says he lives with PTSD.

“I couldn’t believe it. I thought I would be a little bit stronger,” John explained.

John says Fourth of July, celebrations can be a challenge for him.

“Come the Fourth of July instead of enjoying it with everybody else I find myself under the blanket in my bed covered up,” John said.

There is a fireworks stand nearly on every corner these days, as many people like to celebrate Independence Day their own way.

Veterans who live at Five-Star Veterans Center share a much different story.

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“We had a couple of cases here where the post-traumatic stress has been so acute that you have to warn staff and other residents to not approach someone from the rear without acknowledging them that you’re coming because the reaction is there,” said Five-Star Veterans Center Director Col. Lynn Loving.

In John’s case, he struggled for years before getting help, but now he gives it to other veterans like him.

John knows firsthand how a life of service can lead to a life full of struggles back home.

“My heart is out of control, my blood (pressure) is running high, losing control. Then the next thing you know I find myself having one beer after another to try to numb that feeling,” John said

But identifying those triggers -- such as the upcoming fireworks -- and preparing for them can make all the difference for John and vets him.

You’re asked to remember why we celebrate and be mindful of the men and women we honor.

For more information on PTSD, click HERE.

Cox Media Group