A spray-painted message on a wall in Sheffield City Centre calling out firework displays is drawing attention to how loud bangs can affect military veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The message in Fargate, Sheffield read: ”Ex Soldiers Don’t Want Loud BANGS Fireworks”.
The graffiti, spotted following Diwali celebrations and ahead of Bonfire Night, reflects wider concerns raised by veteran charities warning that the sights, smells and sounds of fireworks can bring back ‘painful and traumatic memories of combat’.
Last week, the UK veteran mental health charity ‘Combat Stress’ reminded the public that the distress of fireworks with PTSD also coincides with ‘the period of grief surrounding the commemoration of fallen comrades at Armistice’.
Dr Naomi Wilson, Clinical Director at Combat Stress said: “We see a higher rate of distress in veterans accessing our services at this time of year.
”The sound and unexpected bangs of fireworks can be reminders of front-line combat where they were exposed to the horrors of war in service to this country.
“Firework displays bring people together and create a lot of joy for spectators. We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, but we urge the public to understand how distressing noisy fireworks can be for military veterans.
”We also want to encourage veterans who are struggling with PTSD to reach out for help, as treatment and recovery is possible.”
Pete, an RAF veteran who served in Afghanistan, spoke to Combat Stress about the impact of fireworks on him and how November ‘filled him with dread’ as he would curl into a ball, reliving memories of his deployment with each bang.
Pete said: ”November used to be a write off for me, what with people knocking on the door for Halloween and fireworks for bonfire night and Diwali.
”Before, I would barely sleep and in 2023 I sat in my car and cried because I was so overwhelmingly anxious.
”Last year [following treatment with Combat Stress] there was nothing. Fireworks were going off and there just was no reaction.”
For advice on how to cope during firework season as a veteran, visit Combat Stress for more information here.
Christie Alkin, Combat Stress’ Lead Clinical and Research Occupational Therapist said: ”If, and only if, you are confident and able to, in the period leading up to fireworks night you can begin gradually exposing yourself to fireworks in a way that is in your control.
”You can watch videos or audio clips of fireworks with the sounds turned down, each day gradually turning the volume up as you feel able.
”This gradual and repeated exposure can help the brain to recognise the sights and sounds as safe, loosening the connection with experiences of the past.”
Combat Stress encourages people to still enjoy fireworks and celebrations but to do so with caution, alert neighbours in advance and choose organised displays over at-home fireworks to remove the element of surprise for those living with PTSD.