For me, personally, my PTSD is a result from a series of violent crimes I was a victim of. The events involved weapons and were loud and scary but it was not a warzone.

July 4th sucks for all of us here. Many people just want to celebrate and have fun. Even when they consider the veterans with PTSD they still seem to choose celebrating over that. It's understandable right? It's the world we live in.

So what do we do?

I'll tell you what I do.

I know the 4th of July sucks. I know I will be triggered and uncomfortable. I know I will sleep like shit. I know my heart will be racing and I will be on edge. This is what I know.

So I have to be proactive.

People ask me to come over? No. I won't. I have to fortify my safe space. I must stay in an environment I can control who is there and what is occurring in there. I won't risk going to a place that I can't turn inwardly and shelter myself without judgment.

The days leading up to it I purchase everything I could need for my home ahead of time. On the day of the 4th I stay inside. I distract myself (this year it will be Stranger Things binge) I wear comfortable clothing. I get in a spot where I am secure and grounded. At night I take my melatonin and I play white noise. I breathe deeply. If it gets too bad I will get smaller, curling inwardly and hiding wherever I feel most secure (sometimes in a closet, sometimes under a bed)

Noise cancelling earphones make me feel unsafe.

This is just what works for me personally. It's still hard but it gets me through it. Each year has gotten a little easier. Last year I didn't have to hide under a bed or in a closet at all. I know to people without our condition it may sound crazy but you've got to do what makes you feel secure and safe. Sometimes it can look unconventional.

Best of luck to you this year.

We should have a stickied thread for July 4th. You're not alone.