Join Derrick & Friends Thanksgiving Evening for "Gratitude!" with Warriors for Life (WFL)
- Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
- 10 hours ago
- 2 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 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: "Gratitude!"
Join Derrick and friends TONIGHT for a discussion about "Gratitude!" A discussion about being thankful and gratitude when it comes to your mental health.
Gratitude improves mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, increasing positive emotions like happiness and optimism, and strengthening social connections. It works by shifting focus from negative to positive thoughts, which releases "happy hormones" like dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Regular practice can enhance emotional resilience, boost self-esteem, and lead to better overall well-being.
How gratitude helps mental health
Reduces stress and anxiety: By shifting focus from problems to what you have, gratitude helps calm anxieties and lowers stress levels, creating a greater sense of peace.
Boosts positive emotions: Gratitude increases feelings of happiness and contentment, while reducing negative thought patterns associated with depression and anxiety.
Strengthens social connections: Expressing gratitude to others fosters stronger bonds, deeper trust, and a greater sense of social support, which is vital for mental well-being.
Improves emotional resilience: Grateful individuals often handle life's challenges better and have a greater sense of hope, which acts as a buffer against depression.
Increases self-esteem: Recognizing and appreciating your own blessings and achievements can boost confidence and reduce feelings of inadequacy or comparison with others.
Enhances brain function: Gratitude can improve the brain's reward pathways by releasing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. This can lead to long-term positive changes and improve emotional regulation.
Gratitude as Mental Health Interventions
Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Forever Forward!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Thursday (TONIGHT), November 27, 2025, @ 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)