Come on "Take a Chance!" Why Not? Join Derrick & Friends TONIGHT with Warriors for Life (WFL)
- Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Join our Volunteer, Army Veteran & Peer Support Specialist/Supervisor Derrick Iozzio TONIGHT for "Forever Forward!" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, sponsored and presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).
We are asking everyone to share who we are and the support that Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is providing through Warriors for Life (WFL). If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.
TONIGHT's Topic: "Take a Chance!"
Join Derrick and friends TONIGHT for "Take a Chance!" A discussion about seeking mental healthcare help.
Taking the step to prioritize mental health is one of the most significant "tactical maneuvers" a person can make. This is a sign aof weakness, but a necessary recalibration for long-term mission success.
1. Why "Take a Chance!" on Mental Healthcare?
For those in high-stress professions, there is often a culture of "powering through." However, seeking help is a proactive strategy rather than a reactive one.
Restoring the Mission: Just as equipment requires maintenance, the human mind needs "preventative maintenance" to stay sharp, focused, and effective.
Strengthening the Unit: By seeking help, you set a powerful example for your peers, subordinates, and family members, breaking the stigma and giving others "permission" to do the same.
Reclaiming Identity: Trauma and chronic stress can mask who you truly are. Healthcare provides the tools to peel back those layers and reconnect with your core values and passions.
2. Warning Signs: When to Seek Help
Warning signs often start subtle before becoming disruptive. It is important to monitor for:
Emotional Volatility: Unusual irritability, "short-fuse" anger, or feeling emotionally numb/disconnected from loved ones.
Hypervigilance: Constantly "scanning the room" or being unable to relax even in safe environments.
Sleep Disturbances: Chronic insomnia, night terrors, or oversleeping to avoid reality.
Cognitive Fog: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or experiencing memory gaps.
Withdrawal: Choosing isolation over social engagement or losing interest in hobbies that used to bring joy.
3. The Downside of Delaying Help
Avoiding the issue rarely leads to resolution; instead, it often leads to "compounding interest" on the trauma.
Relationship Erosion: Untreated mental health struggles often place a heavy burden on spouses, children, and friends, leading to isolation and conflict.
Physical Health Decline: Chronic stress is linked to cardiovascular issues, weakened immune systems, and chronic pain.
Career Impact: Decreased performance, loss of focus, or behavioral issues can put professional standing and certifications at risk.
Maladaptive Coping: Without professional tools, individuals often turn to "self-medication" through alcohol, substances, or high-risk behaviors to quiet the noise.
4. Tips for Finding the Courage to Step Forward
Getting over the initial hurdle is often the hardest part. Here are ways to build that "internal courage":
Use the "Battle Buddy" System: You don't have to walk into a clinic alone. Reach out to a trusted peer and ask them to help you make the first call or sit in the waiting room with you.
Reframe the Narrative: Stop viewing therapy as "complaining" and start viewing it as Specialized Training. You are learning new tactics to handle complex psychological terrain.
Start Small: You don't have to commit to a lifetime of sessions. Commit to one conversation. Evaluate it like any other mission: see if the "intel" provided is useful, then decide on the next step.
Focus on the "Why": When courage wavers, focus on who you are doing this for—your kids, your partner, or the version of yourself that deserves peace.
Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Forever Forward!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Thursday (TONIGHT), April 23, 2026, @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81682532691
Thank you,
Derrick Iozzio, Army Veteran, Peer Support Specialist/Supervisor, Catch 22 Peer Support Founder, & Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)
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