For most of us it’s a time to celebrate with cookouts and fireworks, but for most veterans it means triggers, flashbacks, or discomfort.
There are many things civilians would never think of, or even know to ask a veteran or the family around this time. That’s why, as a caregiver to my husband, I feel I have a responsibility to keep him safe, or at least make him feel safe and comfortable around the Fourth of July and weeks after.
We plan ahead. We know about all of his triggers. We tell our family and friends those triggers as well. For those who don’t know about the triggers you can fill them in by telling them how your veteran gets uneasy around crowds, has light sensitivity to the fireworks, or reacts to the boom of the fireworks.
Always remember to pay attention to your veteran around the Fourth of July and the weeks after. If you noticed them becoming uneasy, remember to take them away from that situation. I speak to our neighbors and ask if they are doing fireworks with a request to please let us know in advance so we can prepare my husband. It seems to help some.
It may seem silly to some people, especially if they’ve never lived with a combat veteran. It doesn’t matter how silly they may think it is- It’s necessary! Take care of your veteran this Fourth of July and the weeks after!
I hope your Fourth of July was amazing and I hope that you enjoyed it to the fullest!
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