How fireworks impact people with PTSD

The condition results from a traumatic or life-threatening event. After that event, individuals can experience unwanted flashbacks, usually caused by a sight, sound or even smell associated with the event. Because of this, the flashing lights and explosive sounds of fireworks can cause a resurgence of traumatic and painful memories. “This sort of stimuli, these sort of things that they feel, they sense, they hear, they see, can bring about these old memories,” said UMN School of Medicine Professor Dr.Mustafa al’Absi.