Fireworks remain a struggle for some veterans with PTSD | Local [Video]

FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) – Not everyone enjoys lighting up fireworks.

For some United States military veterans, the tradition can provoke a serious physical or psychological reaction.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, at a higher level than civilians.

Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom report 29% have experienced PTSD at some point in their life. For some, symptoms can include panic attacks and flashbacks.

“With the fireworks going off, I felt my arms tensing up. I felt anxiety,” said Meshelle Merritt, a retired major of the U.S. Army.

She said that because of what she experienced in Iraq, the sound of fireworks sends her body on high alert.

“IEDs, you know, being shot at, mortar rounds,” Merritt said.

She feels sad because she loved …