Tips to help veterans prepare for Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night can be a difficult time for some people. The sights, sounds and smells of fireworks may bring back challenging memories or emotions, particularly for veterans and those who have experienced trauma.
There is no right or wrong way to feel. If you're finding things difficult, please reach out for support.
Ahead of planned firework displays this weekend and next week, this advice from Op COURAGE, the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, may help.
Being prepared can help you cope.
Plan your day
When you know there will be fireworks, being prepared can help you cope. Start by planning your day and what you are going to do beforehand, whether this is staying at home or going out; being prepared can help to keep you comfortable.
Know your triggers
The smells and sounds caused by fireworks can act as strong triggers for memories. You can reduce the impact of this by having sensory aids such as essential oils or music. Noise cancelling headphones or ear defenders can help to reduce the shock of sudden or loud explosions. Also, if you have them, using blackout blinds can help to block out unexpected or intermittent flashes caused by fireworks.
Use coping skills
Coping skills can help to effectively manage and reduce distressing and overwhelming sensations. Try breathing techniques or other exercises.
Ground yourself
If fireworks trigger unwanted of distressing memories, it can feel like you are back at that time. It is important to remind yourself that you are safe. Look around you - notice where you are, what you can see, smell, feel, taste and what is actually happening. For example, notice that you are at home, safe and not back then. Notice what you are wearing, that it’s not your uniform.
Try a technique like 5-4-3-2-1 sensory grounding.
Talk to others - friends, family and loved ones
It can be helpful to talk to and connect with friends and loved ones. This can be in person by asking them to be with you during Bonfire Night or arranging to call them on the day, this can help to keep you entertained and reassured. Ensure you make plans ahead of time.
This will pass
Tell yourself this will pass and it will.
Please don’t struggle alone when you don’t have to
Op COURAGE North West can be reached on 0300 323 0707.
Call NHS 111 Mental Health for urgent mental health support
If you need urgent mental health support, for example if you feel mentally unsafe or severely distressed, you can quickly and easily access support by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health (option 2).
NHS 111 Mental Health is for people of all ages. It’s available 24/7, free of charge and you can call for yourself or someone else.
You can also access NHS 111 online by visiting 111.nhs.uk.
NHS 111 also offers a British Sign Language (BSL) service, available 24/7. Text relay is also available – call 18001 111 using the Relay UK App or a text phone.
NHS 111 Mental Health is not an emergency service. In emergency situations where there’s an immediate risk to life, or you need urgent physical care, you should contact 999 or go to accident and emergency (A&E).
