Join Derrick & Friends TONIGHT for "Happy Holidays!" with Warriors for Life (WFL)

Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
15 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 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: "Happy Holidays!"

Join Derrick and friends TONIGHT for a discussion about "Happy Holidays!" Let's Talk about mental health and navigating the holiday season. A "Holiday Survival Guide" for Veterans," First Responders, Active Service Members, Caregivers, and their Families.

10 Mental Health Tips to Beat the Holiday Blues!

To navigate and manage the holidays with mental health challenges like PTSD or a TBI, focus on planning ahead by scheduling, limiting social engagements, and preparing for potential triggers. Prioritize self-care by maintaining routines, getting rest, and taking breaks to manage sensory input and fatigue. Adjust expectations and redefine what "connection" means to avoid pressure and focus on what feels comfortable and meaningful.

Planning and preparation

Be selective: You don't have to attend every event. Choose gatherings that feel supportive and are within your energy limits.
Schedule and space out activities: Break down tasks like shopping or cleaning into smaller, more manageable chunks to avoid feeling rushed.
Communicate your needs: Talk to your host or family about your needs in advance. This could include not having flashing lights, or letting them know you might need to leave early.
Plan for triggers: Anticipate what might cause stress, like large crowds or fireworks, and have a plan to address it, such as having noise-canceling headphones or a designated exit strategy.

Self-care and routines

Maintain your schedule: Stick to regular sleep, meal, and medication schedules as much as possible to provide a sense of normalcy.
Prioritize rest: Get enough sleep, and take naps when needed to manage fatigue and overstimulation.
Manage stimulation: Reduce sensory input before an outing by avoiding loud or stimulating activities like watching TV or listening to the radio.
Stay hydrated: Keep a water bottle with you and avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen dehydration and overstimulation.

Adjusting expectations and redefining connection

Redefine traditions: Create new, simpler traditions that are more manageable, such as a quiet movie night or a small, intimate dinner with close family.
Focus on meaningful connection: Prioritize deep connections with a few people over large-scale celebrations.
Practice self-compassion: Remind yourself that it's okay if things don't go perfectly and to be kind to yourself during stressful moments.

The Holiday Survival Guide!

Seeking support

Reach out to professionals: Contact your therapist, doctor, or support services before the holidays begin to develop a plan.
Use support networks: Lean on trusted friends (Warriors for Life) or family for help with tasks or just for emotional support.
Access helplines: If you or a loved one is a veteran, use the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, press 1, or text 838255 for 24/7 confidential support.

Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Forever Forward!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Thursday (TONIGHT), December 4, 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)