The Fourth of July means fireworks celebrations for many people, and suffering for some military veterans.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says it's not uncommon for combat veterans to struggle with some level of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder this time of year. Dr. Tanya Aaen with the V.A. says the noise from fireworks can bring back memories of wartime.
"It may remind them of mortars or machine guns or other combat experiences that they have been in which can bring up a number of things such as feeling startled or jumpy or on edge," Dr. Aaen says. "(It) can even bring back the memories to become very intrusive or developing flashbacks from that."
Dr. Aaen says there are several treatments available for PTSD. Each case is unique and different treatments and combinations of treatments may be needed to help a veteran find relief.
There is a V.A. clinic at Mather Field and one at McClellan Park in Sacramento.
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