Helping veterans during the Fourth of July

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – June 27 is National PTSD Awareness Day, and taking care of our veterans is always a top priority.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, can manifest and affect veterans in different ways and can sometimes lead to the worst case scenario.

According to Veterans Affairs, there have been over 130,000 veteran suicides since 2001, and it is the second leading cause of death for veterans 45 years or younger.

Gerald Mounce, commander of AMVETS Post 130, tells News 40 that that there have been too many worst case scenarios, and if you are struggling, or know someone who might be struggling with PTSD, it is important to seek help immediately, and there is never any shame in seeking mental help.

With Fourth of July celebrations set to take place soon, it is important to be mindful of veterans in your neighborhood who may have PTSD. Firework explosions can sometimes cause a PTSD episode. Mounce tells us the easiest way to protect our veterans is to just let them know when and where you will she shooting off fireworks. Mounce says when they have an warning they are usually ok, it is when they come as a surprise that a PTSD episode can occur.

If you or a loved one is suffering from PTSD, click here to see how you can receive help.