Bonfire Night: "When The Fireworks Go Off... I Was Under Fire Again"

Warning the video includes fireworks and explosions from the start.

Advice has been issued for armed forces leavers who struggle with fireworks.

Different people react to fireworks in different ways, and some veterans post-traumatic stress are triggered by the smells, sounds or flashes.

Andrew Cunnington, a former Royal Corps of Signals Sergeant, said:

"Fireworks have been an issue for me for probably about 10 years, since my return from Afghanistan where I was constantly mortared and under attack."  He said: "I didn't cope before. It allowed me to go into a bit of a spiral but not understanding that there was an issue and masking it away. 

"Ruminating that when the fireworks go off, that I was under fire again.

"Reexperiencing the flashbacks and the images of quite horrific times which associate with loud bangs and stuff flying through the air was quite difficult.  "There was no coping mechanism whatsoever."

Andrew's recovery to be able to enjoy fireworks was due to therapy from Combat Stress. 

Here are some techniques they say can help:

1. Plan your evening

Think about how you want to spend the evening and whether you might like to go out or would prefer to stay home.

Bonfire Night can be a useful opportunity to begin to ‘break the link’ between current triggers and past traumatic experiences, by focusing on what is different about fireworks and your environment.

It may be that being exposed to strong triggers feels too much, if that is the case, think about where you will be on Bonfire Night and prepare using some of the techniques described below.

2. Identify your triggers

Being prepared is important, be aware that there are often fireworks parties on the nights before and after Bonfire Night. If you are expecting this, it can be less of a surprise.

3. Breathe

The most powerful tool you can use to calm your body is your breath. It is important to breathe at a pace that feels comfortable for you, but ensure that your out-breaths are long and slow. This simple technique can help to calm you down during a panic attack and help to reduce your anxiety.

4. Stay grounded

Grounding techniques can help to bring you into the here and now and can be helpful if you are feeling zoned out or getting vivid memories.

Physically ground yourself – squats, stamping feet, taking off shoes and rubbing them on the carpet can help you to ‘come back’ into the room if you are feeling as though your body is going numb.

Listen to music that you enjoy and that helps you feel calm or positive feelings.

5. It’s good to talk

You might find it useful to tell someone close to you that you find Bonfire Night difficult.

This can make it easier to go to an event for just a small amount of time and leave when you need to. They’ll also be able to acknowledge the effort you have made.

You can see the full advice on the Combat Stress website.