According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (6/30, Jones), psychiatrists at Veterans Affairs “hospitals in Milwaukee and Madison know the Fourth of July holiday is difficult for veterans, so they begin talking to their patients several weeks in advance to come up with plans to handle fireworks,” which can remind veterans of combat. For example, Michael McBride, MD, MS, a psychiatrist at the Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, “increases medications during this time of year to help some of his patients get through Independence Day. He also discusses coping strategies such as wearing earplugs, using deep breathing techniques or staying inside during fireworks displays.”
Related Links:
— “For many veterans, July Fourth bombast rekindles fears, “Meg Jones, Journal Sentinel, June 30, 2012.