The 4th of July is something most PTSD survivors have circled on their calendars every year. And not in a good way. My anxiety intuitively goes up about a week before the 4th, preparing my nervous system for “Hell week”. Because loud, random noises (i.e. fireworks) and PTSD do NOT go hand-in-hand. Most of us have an arsenal of tips and tricks to get us through the 4th because our fight-or-flight response is more easily triggered than most. I logically know that those noises are fireworks. But when my nervous system is triggered, the logic goes out the window and the PTSD goes, “We’re all gonna die!” So as you can imagine, the 4th of July is not my favorite holiday for that reason.

But this year, I am more determined to not let it affect me as much as previous years. So this year, my arsenal includes:

1. My $20 noise-cancelling bluetooth headphones from Amazon

2. My new portable AC unit. It helps with noise, but we also don’t have central air, so yay for coolness during a hot Colorado summer.

3. My Apple watch, which reminds me to breathe, and lets me know that even though it feels like my heart is going to beat out my chest, it really isn’t.

4. My tapping exercises. My therapist added those this week, and they have helped more than I thought they would.

5. CBD oil and/or edibles WILL be used later tonight.

6. Writing. I am currently writing this blog as fireworks go off in my complex. It helps me focus on something else other than the explosions.

7. Singing. Ever since my accident, I haven’t wanted to sing as much because the damage my neck and vocal chords caused vocal fry every time I would try to sing. But tonight, I’ve been singing more.

8. I also conveniently waited to watch the Hamilton movie until tonight so my mind can focus on something other than things exploding outside of my window. And oh yes, there will be singing.

My fellow PTSD peeps, I feel you. I am you. I am so sorry that more people aren’t considerate of what we go through every 4th. But we will survive this. I promise we will.