July 4th every year without fail there is a sensory brain assault. There’s red, white and blue everywhere. Rhythmic marching bands passing by, waving flags, colorful parade floats, and the various armed services groups in a parade that seems to stretch for miles. There’s also the opportunity to indulge in an unending supply of hot dogs, hamburgers, icy sodas and ice cream.
The day is not allowed to end until the night sky lights up. It starts out slowly with a star burst and then runs pell-mell into a crescendo of a fireworks extravaganza. It’s not just their beauty and color but the whizzing sound of their trajectory, then a moment of dead silence, then a cacophony of explosive sounds, and finally to be followed by the softer sound of synchronized oohs and ahas.
The Pleasure Brain
For those of us who immerse ourselves in every moment of the July 4th festivities, our brains are on pleasure mode. According to Kansas State University psychology researchers fireworks trigger our previous fond memories, especially those from childhood. Also, the overall feel good sensations we experience are due the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine being naturally released by the brain in response to experiences we personally find pleasurable.
Fireworks also play into a brain duality. Fireworks can be stressful in that they are reminiscent of explosions but at the same time the fight/flight stress mechanism is not engaged because the brain recognized the safety of the circumstances.
This form of stress is known as “eustress” where the brain focuses on the pleasure aspects of the experience while be aware of the supposed dangers.
July 4th holds our deeply treasured beliefs in celebrating our independence and honoring veterans for their commitment to freedom.
Ironically, many of these same veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) where traditional fireworks or even the random cherry bombs can be re-traumatizing.
General Overview of PTSD
– Recognized as a treatable psychiatric disorder
– Result of exposure to any traumatizing event
– Sets off conditions of high anxiety, panic and insomnia
– The original event is re-experienced in nightmares or as intrusive flashbacks
– State of hyperarousal where ordinary sights, sounds and smells can trigger an event
– Overly reactive and startling responses occur especially to unexpected sounds
– Negative feelings of self-worth, especially related to guilt and trust issues
– Engage in avoidance behavior to lessen recurrences
PTSD was not recognized as a legitimate psychiatric disorder until 1980. It was well known that soldiers in earlier wars had suffered, but it was thought either as a way to avoid returning to fighting or a temporary consequence of battle. After the recognition of war trauma as PSTD, its definition was extended to include events of violence, abuse, accidents and natural disasters.
There are three significant brain aspects to PTSD
First, during times of high stress, the fight or flight hormone norepinephrine floods the body and brain. Consequently, under highly traumatizing events, the brain becomes less able to logically process information and transfer it into long term memory.
As a result, traumatizing event memories are more easily accessible in response to associated triggers. However, the traumatizing event is more likely to be experienced as re-living the original event rather than a memory of the event.
Second, there are responding physical brain changes. Brain imaging indicates changes in the ability of the amygdala, medial cortex, and hippocampus areas to control over reactions and flashbacks which generate high anxiety and panic.
Third, PTSD may be temporarily delayed when there are conditions of physical brain injury as seen in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) from war experiences. While there are no initial signs of PTSD, it later appears due to accumulated stress since the MTBI event.
Enjoy your fireworks and honor veterans for their service. But understand that not all veterans and others experiencing PTSD can share in the sights and sounds of celebration the same way you do.
What are your favorite July 4th memories?
Resources
Why We Love Fireworks: They Put the Brain at the Edge of Fear and Fun
http://www.medicaldaily.com/fireworks-ignite-ptsd-4th-july-displays-may-trigger-anxiety-veterans-and-other-sufferers-247415
Image: Pixabay 507623
You Can Find Me At -
Joyce – I HATE that this analogy sounds so inhumane, but really, I can imagine that people with PTSD could well be affected by fireworks the same way my dog does. When they start going off, you’d think the sky was falling the way she carries on! And of course, I feel sorry for her– and she’s a dog. For people, there would not only be the emotional trauma, but the stigma of “Oh, God. Now he’s going to flip out over FIREWORKS! Can’t we ever just have a good time around here?!” The ironic part, of course, is that it’s the very freedom these folks fought for that we’re celebrating! I do like the idea in the comments, above, about soundless fireworks.
Joan, it seems that all the fun things are becoming dangerous in some way. Kids need helmets to ride bikes and play sports. There are all kinds of laws to protect us from ourselves. Everything needs a warning label. And, more people are becoming traumatized either directly by events outside of their control and indirectly as we see these large events played out in the media. Anything we can do to make it a kinder, gentler world for everyone, including our pets, is where we need to focus our attention.
PTSD can happen to anyone and I grateful you’ve raised this point, Joyce. It isn’t just veterans but can happen if a person isn’t counselled at the right time. I haven’t suffered from PTSD but was heading that way many years ago when my car tyre burst and my car went into a tailspin. My safety seat belt saved me from going through the windshield. The tires burned the ground below which was visible for a long time. I was hurt but recovered. Yet the fear of that spot wouldn’t leave me. Fortunately, I was living at home with my parents at the time and my Dad used to drop me off at work while my car was in for repairs. The minute we would reach the spot of the accident, I would break into a cold sweat and panic. There was no other route to work and I needed to work on this. Thank God for supportive parents and colleagues. The real victory was the day my car returned and I drove down the route alone in my car. My Dad and his driver followed at a respectful distance and I made it home. For a week or so, a colleague would drive behind me until I passed that point. I was lucky that I had support but accepting that I was scared of that specific accident spot was the key to overcoming fear.
Vatsala, it’s taken the mental health community a long time to come to understand how trauma affects both the mind and the body and how its effects can last for years. I think the most significant part is the recognition that for many it’s re-living the experience as opposed to just having a memory recall. When I recall a car accident that I was in, it’s as vivid today and it was then. You were very smart to have someone support you as you drove the same route, again and again, untile you felt comfortable. This help to desensitize the original event and build stronger new memories. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s important for all of us to learn more about PTSD.
I’m so glad you said this, as a trauma survivor I’m not too keen on loud noises. Thank you!
Thank you, Sandra, for commenting as a trauma survivor. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the lasting effects of trauma and how sometimes the most innocent of things can activate mind/body memories. It helps when people speak up and educate the rest of those who don’t understand how July 4th fireworks can be harmful.
I’ve never been a fan of 4th of July, not that I don’t appreciate the beauty of a well-prepared fireworks display, but because so it’s an opportunity for so many idiots to assault us with noise and leave behind their mess on the sidewalks and in the streets. Bah humbug. 🙁
Re PTSD, thank you for sharing your insights on this topic. I have seen firsthand how debilitating PTS can be and that’s just one reason I actively support a community dedicated to educating the public and partnering service dogs with those who suffer from it.
Three cheers for you Marquita. Service dogs and other service animals are so important for those with PTSD and other mental challenges.
I like the new program where service dogs are brought to the library and children who have difficulty reading read to the service dog. Then there are the children who are brought to the animal shelter by their parents to read to the dogs as a means of calming them down. I sympathize with your dislike of those who have such disregard for holiday celebrations by leaving their garbage all over and making ungodly noise.
There really are 2 sides to every story. I appreciate the education you provide on those who may suffer from PTSD and how firework type celebrations really cannot be enjoyed by all. Perhaps we need to have silent fireworks and allow the visual displays carry off the pleasure on its own.
It was Karen Grosz who mentioned in her comment that they have noiseless fireworks in Italy. Let’s hope the idea catches on. It seems each year the idea is to be bigger, more awe-inspiring and louder than the year before. Maybe they’ll catch on if we all show up wearing headphones.
Hi Joyce,
Great share and wonderful post on the 4th of July and what it means to so many , especially those that the day remembers, our freedom fought for by our veterans and what they are dealing with as a result. Thanks for sharing this important information about PSTD and how it affects our veterans and their loved ones on such a joy that brings many memories 🙂 Glad to know that there are places that they can go for help.
Personally I love watching fireworks, but find the noise can be disturbing to me. Most of us cannot imagine or have a sense of how they impact people who have PTSD. There is lots of new research that indicates that PTSD is impacting more of us than was previously understood too. One researcher has shown that anytime symptoms last for more than a month, the person is experiencing PTSD. I appreciate you sharing this information with us all, Joyce, as it is so important to be compassionate and understanding of others and to honour and support them in challenging situations.
Thanks for sharing Beverley. Unfortunately, PTDS is not just relegated to police and military personnel. Trauma events do have serious consequences. Sometimes the effect is immediate and other times there can be quite a time delay. It’s important if you suspect that anyone might be suffering from trauma gets a proper evaluation and care.
Interesting, Joyce! I have just recently come to understand the effect fireworks have on people with PTSD. I have always worried about the dogs, and if the display goes on for too long, I can develop a headache. They are pretty, but sometimes seem a little more trouble than they are worth!
There’s a lot of people Kimberly who are coming to realize how serious a PTDS condition is – especially when it comes to fireworks. We’ve known for some time that dogs don’t take it well. So, it only makes sense there are more and more people becoming sensitive to the sights and sounds. I haven’t gone to a live event in years. It’s just easier to watch on TV with the sound turned down.
Joyce,
I always love the science that explains emotions, and this is a great reminder of the irony that the people who have fought for our freedom do not always enjoy the celebrations that honor them. Thank you for the gentle reminder. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and commenting Liz. Yes, there is the irony that some who are being honored find it difficult to enjoy.
I think we need to find some other less stressful ways to honor them.
Thanks for addressing this. As fireworks were everywhere around my house I paused to think about soldiers and how they must feel. I love the 4th, but could do without the loud sounds until all hours of the morning. I recently heard that Italy had soundless fireworks, now those are the ones I could get behind.
Wow! soundless fireworks. Now, there’s an idea that would make a lot of people happy.
I always suggest that you can watch the fireworks on TV and turn the sound down or off,
but I know that you also miss of the excitement of the actual experience.
Definitely a struggle for those in PTSD and as a military brat, I can understand and relate but don’t know many who have suffered. Still very sad. Thank you for sharing and helping out our vets.
Kristen, I bet you saw more than your share of military parades and fireworks. Yes, it’s sad about PTSD but they are taking the condition far more seriously today and there are more and more treatment options.
Interesting post. I enjoy seeing fireworks but from a distance. The loud sounds always hurt my ears. So my favorite time was going on the roof of our row home as a kid and watching the Philadelphia fireworks with my family. We would climb through a sky light in our bathroom and watch the City. It was so much fun.
What great childhoold memories, Sabrina.
What an eye opener. I hadn’t really thought of how negatively those loud bangs from fireworks could impact on people with PTSD. When my youngest son was little he hated those loud noises and instead of being a treat to see fireworks it was torture for him. My dogs have also always hated them. Hope you enjoyed your celebrations.
Dogs seem to be especially sensitive to the sounds of fireworks, even to the point of breaking loose and running away. Kids also have a problem since their auditory system is still adjusting to all the sounds in their environment. Often, first time experiences find it so startling and upsetting that they associate their response to all future related sounds. Then, there are other kids who just outgrow the fright. However, for those with PTSD, it’s a long process to be able to handle loud and unexpected noises.
When younger I enjoyed the fanfare of July 4th and tried to view live fireworks. I grew up on Coney Island where we had firework displays every Tuesday nights. So yes, as an adult, the 4th of July brought back childhood memories. We could recall the names we ascribed to the different patterns in the sky. As an older adult, I prefer to watch on TV.
I think its great that you explained the impact of the celebrations in regard to PTSD.
I bet you were the envy of a lot of kids being able to see fireworks every Tuesday night on Coney Island. My husband grew up in Richmond Hill, Queens so he I’v heard a lot about Coney Island. What a rich and woanderful childhood. I think it’s great that we can watch them on TV these days. We have the perfect spot, our best beverage in hand, and the bed in close by.
Thank you Joyce for another insightful introduction to the empathy one needs to understand in sharing our country’s celebrations of freedom. My memories of being a child and having picnics at the beach, while enjoying the night sky lit up with color with my parents, were a wonderful part of my childhood. It is with respect for our country and admiration for our States still working together as one, after our long won fight for equality and freedom, that I watch the fireworks today. For many the fight is fresh and raw.
There always seems to be something magical about the 4th of July fireworks. For many it brings back those special memories from childhood.
Now, another dimension has been added with those who suffer from PTSD, especially those with war experience. Unfortunate, but something we need to take into account as we celebrate.
Joyce, thank you for such an incredible blog post. My father served his country in the Navy and I have many friends in the service some do suffer with PTSD. My parents worked at the VA Hospital and I recall as a teenage a man who had PTSD and it was so hard to watch him as he walked down the hall and if there was a loud noise or a slamming door he would dive to the floor, try to hide under anything he could and often yelled for long lost friends. It is a real disorder that not only impacts our veterans but others who have suffered a traumatic event and I appreciate you bringing this to light during this firework holiday.
Thank you for sharing your personal experience, Patty. For those who have never encountered someone with PTSD, they don’t understand how deeply-seated the experience is and how a simple, everyday event can be so frightening. Any celebration that contains fireworks or other loud noises can be a problem for those with PTDS and we need to be more aware. Thanks again for sharing.