PTSD and Bonfire Night: It’s OK if you don’t enjoy fireworks
Bonfire Night is on 5 November, but fireworks rarely stick to one evening. You might hear the first bangs several nights beforehand, then hear more on Bonfire Night itself and again over the weekend that follows.
For some serving personnel and veterans, that unpredictability can be hard. You might be at home watching television when a sudden bang leaves you shaken. And when it goes quiet again, you can find yourself listening out for the next one. After a few evenings like that, even settling down for a quiet night at home can feel difficult.
If fireworks make you uncomfortable, it’s OK to say so. It’s fine to turn down an invitation, leave a display early or ask someone you trust to spend the evening with you.
Why fireworks can feel different for some people
For some people who have experienced trauma, a sudden bang, a flash of light or the smell of smoke can bring back memories of a frightening experience. For someone living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), those reminders can bring on flashbacks or leave them feeling on edge long after the noise has stopped.
Through our work in the Military Claims team, we know people’s experiences of military service and trauma vary widely, and so do their reactions to fireworks. Someone might enjoy a display they’ve chosen to attend and still find an unexpected bang outside their home deeply unsettling. Even if you’ve enjoyed fireworks in the past, you’re allowed to feel differently this time.
Give yourself permission to do what helps
If you know fireworks are likely, you might close the curtains, put on something familiar to watch or listen to, or arrange for a friend to check in. If you’d like to go to a display, you could let the person you’re going with know that you might want to step away or head home early. Combat Stress suggests reducing exposure to bangs and flashes and arranging support from people you trust.
If you’re supporting someone, ask what would make the evening easier for them. A quiet “Would you like me to stay?” gives them room to say what they need. And if someone turns down your invitation, you can still let them know you’d love to see them another day.
A little notice can help
If you’re planning fireworks at home, let your neighbours know which evening and roughly when you expect festivities to start and finish. If your plans change, let them know that too. A quick message or a knock on the door can give someone time to make their own plans, without having to explain why the notice matters to them.
If you’d like some support
If you’re already dreading the next display, or you’re still feeling unsettled after the noise has stopped, you can talk it through with someone. Your GP can help, and there are services that understand military life.
- PTSD Resolution offers free, confidential therapy for UK Armed Forces veterans, reservists and eligible family members. You can call 0300 302 0551 directly without a GP referral or a formal PTSD diagnosis.
- Op COURAGE provides specialist NHS mental health support in England for veterans, reservists and serving personnel preparing to leave the Armed Forces. It can also help families access support.
Whether you’re spending Bonfire Night with friends, staying in or changing your plans at the last minute, give yourself the same understanding you’d offer someone you care about.
