Drop in TONIGHT and Join Mikel & Friends for "Overcoming Setbacks!" with Warriors for Life (WFL)

Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
9 hours ago
4 min read

Drop in TONIGHT with Volunteer and Army Veteran Mikel Burroughs for "Burly's Warriors" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, 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 with 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: "Overcoming Setbacks!"

Join Mikel & Friends TONIGHT as we discuss the "Overcoming Setbacks!" when it comes to invisible wounds (PTSD, MST, TBI, etc.) and your Mental Health. We hope you'll join us!

Overcoming mental health setbacks (PTSD, TBI, MST) involves accepting them as normal, non-linear parts of healing rather than failures. Actively manage setbacks by practicing self-compassion, grounding techniques, re-engaging with support networks, and contacting professionals to adjust coping strategies. Setbacks are temporary, offering insights for future growth.

9 Steps to Overcome a Setback

Core Strategies for Managing Setbacks

Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself; avoid self-blame, as setbacks are not a reflection of a lack of effort.
Acknowledge and Feel: Allow yourself to feel anger, sadness, or frustration rather than suppressing them, which can make things worse.
Reestablish Routine & Boundaries: Revisit the healthy routines (sleep, nutrition, exercise) that worked before, and set boundaries to protect your energy.
Engage Grounding Techniques: If experiencing triggers or flashbacks, use grounding techniques (e.g., sensory focus), deep breathing, or mindfulness to stay in the present.
Seek Support: Reach out to trusted friends, family, or support groups, particularly those within the TBI or PTSD community.

Professional and Therapeutic Steps

Reconnect with Care Providers: Contact a therapist or psychiatrist, as setbacks may indicate a need to adjust treatment plans.
Use Targeted Therapies: Consider Evidence-Based Treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or somatic therapies for trauma stored in the body.
Identify New Triggers: Use the setback as an opportunity to identify new, unexpected triggers and learn new, more effective coping skills.

Long-Term Resilience Building

Reflect and Reframe: View the setback as a valuable, albeit difficult, learning experience that shows areas needing extra attention.
Physical Health Management: For TBI/PTSD, manage stress through physical activity, healthy diet, and limiting alcohol, which can exacerbate symptoms.
Self-Care Routine: Prioritize activities that promote calmness, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature.

Immediate Actions for Flashbacks or High Distress

Remind yourself: "I am having a flashback, I am safe, and this is temporary".
Name5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste.
Contact a crisis hotline or mental health provider immediately if symptoms become overwhelming

A mental health reset involves intentional, small habits to break cycles of burnout, stress, and negativity. Effective strategies include practicing mindfulness, improving sleep hygiene, nourishing your body, and engaging in light physical activity to calm the nervous system. Quick resets include breathing exercises, grounding techniques, or short walks.

5-Minute Mental Resets (Immediate Action)

3-Breath Reset: Inhale slowly for 4 counts, hold for 2, and exhale through the mouth for 6.
Physical Movement: Stand up, stretch, roll shoulders, or walk to break the tension.
Mindful Rehydration: Drink a glass of water slowly, focusing on the sensation.
Sensory Grounding: Use the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: Identify 5 things you see, 4 you can feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste.
Digital Break: Step away from screens and step outside for fresh air or a change of scenery.

Daily & Weekly Reset Habits (Long-Term Stability)

Journaling: Write down thoughts to process difficult emotions and reduce their power.
Prioritize Sleep: Keep a consistent sleep schedule (7+ hours) and remove screens one hour before bed.
Gratitude Practice: Identify three things you are grateful for or looking forward to each day.
Structured Morning Routine: Establish a consistent morning routine with activities like stretching, meditation, or light exercise.
Social Connection: Connect with a friend or family member for a conversation to reduce feelings of isolation.

Building a 'Reset Mindset'

Self-Compassion: Be patient with yourself and acknowledge that progress is a slow process.
Set Small Goals: Start by doing one small thing consistently, such as a 10-minute walk, to build confidence.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say "enough" to work or social pressures that cause burnout.
Focus on Nutrition: Support your nervous system with balanced meals, reducing dependence on caffeine and sugar

Our Vision at Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is simple: "Where Hope, Support, and Healing come together!"

We encourage you to join us, Everyone is Welcome, Everyone Matters, You Matter to Us, so Talk to Us! — invite a friend!

Veterans Crisis Line (24/7): Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255, or use online chat.

Warriors for Life (WFL) Peer Support Network Online "Burly's Warriors" edition, presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — (TONIGHT), March 14, 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/87197441247

Remember: Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) meets on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays — (7-days) a week. Every week stay connected on Friday Mornings with "Coffee with Lauren" and Monday Mornings for "Cup O' Joe" with Derrick at 8:00 AM CT.

“Everyone Matters, Talk to Us!"— Army Veteran Mikel Burroughs

Thank you,

Army Veteran Mikel Burroughs, Founder & Volunteer Facilitator, Warriors for Life (WFL), & CEO, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)

“Honor & Respect Always — Warriors for Life!”

"Warriors for Life (WFL) doesn't prescribe any medications, we are not medical professionals, and you should always follow your Primary Provider's guidance and prescribed regimen of treatment. This is strictly group peer support, topics, and information sharing."