Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Research Paper

With the Iraq and Afghanistan wars winding down, many combat veterans are coming home completely changed. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is becoming more prevalent and many veterans don’t even know they have the disorder until symptoms become apparent. I am one of the many veterans that didn’t know it until a fireworks show triggered my symptoms. I wasn’t alone though. I discovered that many combat veterans are fearful of fireworks. Whether it’s a Fourth of July celebration, a backyard barbecue, or a fireworks show after a concert, many people don’t understand how terrifying fireworks can be to combat veterans like myself.
The first example of being frightened by fireworks was during a Fourth of July celebration shortly after I was

The barbecue kicked off without a hitch. I didn’t know my brother had brought fireworks until I saw him unloading them from the back of his car. He pulled out crates of bottle rockets, roman candles, and firecrackers. These were things that would excite me before my military service. My brother, dad, and sister started to set up the fireworks across the backyard. My brother lit several sparklers and handed them out to the spectators. I watched as my brother lit the first bottle rocket. I started to remember my first experience during the Fourth of July party and became ill with fear. I started to sweat again and my chest became tight. The wick on the bottle rocket lit the gunpowder; it quickly flew into the sky with a loud siren. Toward the end of the flight a loud “BANG” was heard and colorful flaming sparkles soon filled the sky. I immediately fell to my knees while gripping my chest. My chest felt like a car had driven on top of it, I was terrified. I soon realized that these symptoms were just like the Fourth of July party. My family asked what was wrong but I couldn’t speak. I finally calmed down after I ran for safety in my dad’s house and closed the door. I attempted to explain the situation once again to my family. Like my friends, they didn’t