Join Derrick & Friends TONIGHT for "Barriers!" that We Face with Warriors for Life (WFL)
- Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
- 11 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: "Barriers!"
Join Derrick and friends TONIGHT for "Barriers!" A discussion about the barriers we face when dealing with mental health and invisible wounds. What are the barriers and how do we overcome them?
Types of Barriers
Barriers to mental health care are often categorized into three primary levels:
Internal/Psychological Barriers:
Self-Stigma: Internalizing beliefs that mental health issues are a "sign of weakness" or a "character flaw".
Fear of Judgment: Worrying about being viewed as "unfit for duty" or losing the respect of peers and family.
Stoicism & Suppressing Emotion: A deeply ingrained "mission first" mindset where individuals bottle up distress to maintain a facade of strength.
Institutional/Career Barriers:
Career Repercussions: Real or perceived fears that seeking help will lead to losing a security clearance, being passed over for promotions, or being deemed "non-deployable".
Lack of Confidentiality: Concerns that information will be shared with commanding officers or department leadership.
Logistical/Structural Barriers:
Provider Shortage: A lack of clinicians who truly understand military or first responder culture, which can lead to ineffective care.
System Complexity: High wait times and difficulty navigating the paperwork or requirements of organizations like the VA.
Caregiver Gaps: Caregivers often face a "lack of time" and struggle with the financial burden of care while their own needs are overlooked by existing systems.
Root Causes of Barriers
The origin of these barriers typically lies in the unique cultures of these professions:
Cultural "Armor": Training emphasizes independence, toughness, and self-reliance. While vital for survival in the field, these traits can become obstacles when seeking help.
The Hero Facade: Society views these individuals as "pillars of strength," which creates an immense pressure to never show vulnerability.
Cumulative Trauma: Frequent exposure to trauma can lead to "normalizing" distress, causing individuals to not even recognize they need help until they hit a crisis point.
Strategies to Overcome Barriers
Once barriers exist, they can be dismantled through active effort:
Leveraging Peer Support: Programs like Warriors for Life (WFL) provide a safe space where individuals realize they are not alone. Connecting with those who have "been there" builds trust and reduces isolation.
Education & Self-Care: Understanding that invisible wounds are biological responses to trauma—not flaws—helps shift the internal narrative.
Confidential Resources: Utilizing third-party services like The Headstrong Project or Give an Hour which offer free, confidential therapy outside of official institutional channels.
Voiding Barriers in Advance (Proactive Prevention)
To prevent barriers from taking root, units and families can focus on "pre-habilitation":
Leadership "Normalize" Vulnerability: When leaders share their own struggles and recovery stories, it signals that seeking help is a sign of strength.
Resiliency Training: Implementing stress management and grounding techniques before a crisis occurs prepares the nervous system to handle on-duty stress.
Involving Families Early: Educating caregivers and families about symptoms and available resources ensures a strong support system is ready before reintegration begins
As we wrap up tonight’s "Forever Forward!" session, remember that the barriers we’ve discussed—whether they are internal walls of stigma or external institutional hurdles—do not have to be permanent. Recognizing these obstacles is the first step in dismantling them. By leaning on this Peer Support Network, sharing our stories, and choosing to step out from behind the "armor," we clear the path not just for ourselves, but for those following in our footsteps. Keep pushing forward, keep supporting one another, and never forget that reaching out is the ultimate act of courage.
Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Forever Forward!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Thursday (TONIGHT), May 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/81682532691
Thank you,
Derrick Iozzio, Army Veteran, Peer Support Specialist/Supervisor, Catch 22 Peer Support Founder, & Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)