Drop in TONIGHT with Steve and Friends for "Giving Voices to Choices!" with Warriors for Life (WFL)

Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
2 days ago
4 min read

Join our Volunteer, Air Force Veteran, Peer Support Specialist, and Writer/Author Steven Bates TONIGHT for "Mid-Week Musings!" 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 what support that Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is providing via 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: "Giving Voices to Choices!"

"Every day we make decisions, choices, and resolutions. Some are subconsciously made, never heard but silently decided. Others we announce firmly to the world. Its then that we express confidence in our choices, give power to our ponderances, and authority to our assessments. Giving a voice to our choices instills a determined resolution in our decision making. It gives us finality in our confusion at times, allowing us to verbalize the outcome we want and desire. Learning how to give voice to your choices is often easier said than done."

Giving a voice to choices in mental health is critically important, fostering empowerment, dignity, and better outcomes by shifting from a passive recipient role to an active partner in care, increasing confidence, improving therapeutic relationships, and boosting treatment engagement, especially when supporting individuals who have experienced trauma or involuntary treatment. It enables person-centered recovery by acknowledging individuals' strengths, preferences, and autonomy, rather than just focusing on symptoms, making care more effective and respectful.

Why Voice and Choice Are Essential

Empowerment & Dignity: Trauma often strips individuals of power; choice restores it, affirming their dignity and value.
Improved Outcomes: Giving choices leads to better engagement, higher satisfaction, and more effective treatment for positive results.
Stronger Therapeutic Relationships: When providers listen and involve patients in decisions (like treatment type or appointment frequency), it builds trust and makes patients more receptive.
Enhanced Self-Efficacy: Making decisions, even small ones, helps individuals build confidence in their ability to manage their illness and life.
Addresses Trauma: Trauma-informed care recognizes that forcing someone to talk or choose before they're ready can be harmful, making choice a fundamental recovery tool.

How It's Implemented

Shared Decision-Making (SDM): A collaborative process where patients and providers discuss options, weighing information and personal values to jointly decide on care.
Person-Centered Planning: Focusing on the individual's goals, strengths, and what matters to them, not just the illness.
Offering Options: Providing choices in treatment formats (individual vs. group), frequency, or non-pharmacological approaches.
Advance Statements: Allowing individuals to document preferences for future care, even if not legally binding, to retain some control.

In essence, giving voice to choices moves mental healthcare from a system where people are acted upon to one where they are active, respected participants in their own recovery journey, which is foundational to achieving meaningful, sustainable well-being.

Giving a voice to your mental health choices involves self-advocacy in therapy, clearly communicating needs and goals to providers, and advocating for broader change by sharing stories, educating others, contacting legislators, and joining advocacy groups to improve mental health systems and reduce stigma. This can range from defining your treatment preferences in a psychiatric advance directive to speaking out in your community or workplace for better care and understanding, ensuring your autonomy and empowering others.

For Yourself (Self-Advocacy in Treatment)

Define Your Goals: Before therapy, know what you want to achieve (e.g., coping skills, exploring issues) and communicate this to your therapist.
Speak Up in Therapy: If a technique isn't working, tell your therapist; they should adjust their approach.
Use "I" Statements: Express feelings like "I feel unheard when..." instead of accusatory language.
Set Boundaries: Clearly communicate your limits and needs to providers and loved ones.
Create a Psychiatric Advance Directive (PAD): A legal document to outline treatment wishes for when you can't communicate, ensuring your voice is heard during crises.

For Others (Community & Systemic Advocacy)

Share Your Story: Personal stories reduce stigma and inspire others; consider NAMI's "In Our Own Voice" program.
Educate Yourself & Others: Learn about mental health issues and legislation, then share knowledge.
Join Organizations: Get involved with groups like Warriors for Life (WFL).
Support Local Initiatives: Volunteer with Victory for Veterans, Inc., start a support group like WFL, or participate in awareness events.

Practical Steps

Start Conversations: Use planned, in-depth talks, or start with a text if face-to-face is hard.
Find Resources: Use resources like 211 or MHA to find local help and share them.
Use Crisis Lines: Text MHA to 741741 or call/text 988 for immediate support.

So let's talk about doing just that with Air Force veteran, author and Peer Support Specialist Steven Bates with the Warriors For Life Mid-week Musings Peer Support group tonight! Say yes to being there tonight!

Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Mid-Week Musings!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Wednesday (TONIGHT), January 7, 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/87440882846

Thank you,

Steven Bates

Air Force Veteran, Writer/Author, Peer Support Specialist, &

Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc.