As a community, we can really help: As Colorado Springs veterans prepare for the Fourth of July, mental health experts urge awareness and caution [Video]

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – As veterans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, mental health is top of mind for many.

Colorado Springs is home to a large military community, and many members of that community have served time in warzones. Because of this, many veterans living in the area experience PTSD, especially when exposed to unexpected loud explosions.

Some veterans in the Springs have told 11 News that they enjoy fireworks, but only when they expect them. That’s something Mt. Carmel Veteran Service Center said is important to keep in mind as a community.

“The challenge is that the Fourth of July comes once a year,” said Kirsten Belaire, the director of Behavioral Health at Mt. Carmel, “so that means for 364 other days for the most part, our veterans aren’t able to kind of process and practice the skills in time with fireworks going off.”

Belaire said as community …