July and summer, in general, are a time for parties, barbecues, and fun, especially around Independence Day. People are excited to bring out their grills, open their pools, and gather their closest family and friends to celebrate all life has to offer. However, with the parties, barbecues, and Fourth of July fun comes some concern for people struggling with their mental health. In particular, this time of year can be triggering to individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if their PTSD is accompanied by substance use.
So, what are the PTSD risks associated with this time of year, and more specifically, the upcoming holiday? How might this time affect veterans struggling to manage their PTSD symptoms? What can these individuals do to cope with triggers? Continue reading for more information, and for help managing your PTSD symptoms and substance use, consider seeking professional help. Your healing journey can begin with West Coast Recovery Centers today.
Trauma and PTSD
We’ve discussed before how trauma is a natural response to significantly distressing moments. Since we all respond to trauma in varying ways, it’s difficult to determine who may or may not develop a mental health condition like PTSD. However, veterans are particularly susceptible to developing PTSD because of the things they experience during their service. From war zones to brutally violent attacks, soldiers experience several horrific and unimaginable things. It’s no wonder that many are not quite the same upon returning home.
There is one most significant difference between trauma and PTSD. PTSD causes intense physical and emotional responses to people, places, or things that remind someone of a tragic event. These responses can last for an extended period of time, making it impossible for a person to function in their day-to-day life. Some of these responses include:
- Experiencing intense flashbacks and nightmares
- Avoiding feelings, people, places, and things related to a trauma
- Hypervigilance and anxiety, which can, at times, lead to paranoid or erratic behaviors
PTSD and SUD
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for soldiers and veterans struggling with PTSD to also struggle with co-occurring disorders such as substance use disorder (SUD). In many cases, individuals turn to substance use to cope with their PTSD symptoms. They’re trying to cope with psychological problems, chronic pain, and other issues related to the trauma. Though individuals try to reduce symptoms with alcohol and drug use, more often than not, it leads to dependency. It may also lead to other risk-taking behaviors and worsen their PTSD symptoms.
The best way to handle PTSD and SUD is by seeking a dual-diagnosis program. Many facilities may even have programs designed to help soldiers and veterans specifically. For example, at West Coast Recovery Centers, we recognize the risks service members and their families face. One in 10 veterans struggles with SUD, and more often than not, the root cause of the addiction is related to struggles with mental health and trauma. Our military recovery program can help you and your family heal from the traumas that have led to a life of active addiction. Let’s start by understanding more about how this Independence Day could trigger your PTSD.
Understanding PTSD Triggers This Independence Day
Many things can trigger your PTSD, ranging from sights, smells, and sounds, to high levels of stress. Places, people, and things you sense could trigger a memory of an event. For example, loud noises, war-related topics, or the threat of physical violence could trigger fits of rage, shock, or even violence. Of course, individuals must learn to cope with these episodes, but it’s also necessary to be aware of what could trigger them.
As much fun as it might be for some, Independence Day is chock-full of things that could be triggering. Loud noises, bright lights, crowds of people, and the gun-like sound of fireworks can all put someone with PTSD into a fight or flight mode or evoke other trauma responses. If triggered, the continued exposure could exacerbate your symptoms, and what begins as a single trigger can quickly escalate into a more distressing incident. The real question is what can be done about it.
How to Prepare Yourself for the Upcoming Independence Day Holiday
Preparing for Independence Day this year may require more than your standard coping mechanisms. If you’re struggling with an active addiction, the first thing to do is seek treatment immediately.
Aside from professional treatment, there are a few logistically steps you may consider taking, like:
- Staying away from fireworks shows this year
- Avoiding crowds if it’s too soon to be around that many people
- Expressing concerns with your support network
- Seeking advice and guidance from a therapist or sponsor
- Communicating your needs with your family and this year opting for a small barbecue with your closest friends and family members
If untreated, PTSD and substance use can spiral out of control, dictating your life in every way possible. It doesn’t have to, though. Seek treatment and start healing from your trauma by considering our military recovery program today.
Soldiers experience many horrific things during their time in the service. Fighting in combat zones and prolonged exposure to violence takes a toll on our soldiers, and it’s no wonder that many struggle with their mental health upon returning home. People respond to trauma in all sorts of ways, but when untreated, it can quickly develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many veterans with PTSD turn to substance use to cope, but it only ends up making the situation worse. Individuals can’t always know what could trigger their PTSD, but the upcoming holiday could have more triggers than some are ready for. Call (760) 492-6509 to prepare yourself for this Independence Day as someone with PTSD today.