Ahhh... Memorial Day. A holiday to sit back and relax at home, have a barbecue with the family, staying home and not worrying about work or school because it's a long weekend. It's a great way to ring in the summertime and get you amped for that summer vacation you've been planning all spring.

A brief history on Memorial Day; Memorial Day isn't just a time to spend with family and friends, sitting outside throwing a party, drinking too much and eating too much.It's a day to remember those men and women who lost their lives while serving in the military. It was originally known as "Decoration Day" and is now known as Memorial Day. It originated in the years following the Civil War and officially became a holiday in 1971.

While you partied and wasted the weekend away, people who have lost a loved one or who are dealing with traumatic experiences have to take caution on Memorial Day due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event, either experiencing it or witnessing it. People with PTSD can experience flashbacks, anxiety attacks, nightmares and uncontrollable thoughts.

People have set off fireworks, screamed and yelled and caused a scene on Memorial Day. The booms of the fireworks and the uproar of people's screeching might have caused people who have served in the military to have vivid flashbacks of things they experienced in the war. I hope that Memorial Day events didn't trigger anyone's PTSD symptoms.

I have spoken to a friend's parents who served in the military and they have told me that it's a scary experience to have vivid flashbacks and it's terrifying that some people have forgotten what the holiday is all about. They hope that people will respect those with PTSD and be cautious around them during these times.

I understand people like to celebrate this holiday with families, friends, loved ones, etc., but it's also important to understand what certain sudden, loud noises can do to people. I hope no one experienced symptoms of PTSD this Memorial Day. It's a scary thing and I could only imagine what it's like to go through that. This isn't about stopping you from doing what you think is fun. It's just to bring more awareness to a mental state of mind and to be cautious around those who experience these things.

If you or a loved one is experiencing PTSD, check out ptsd.va.gov or call 8442277014.