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

Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
Apr 1
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: "Reset!"

Join Derrick and friends TONIGHT for "Reset!" A discussion about getting back on track when it comes to Invisible Wounds and your Mental Health.

For veterans and first responders, a "reset" of their mental health is essential because

their professions demand constant suppression of emotions and exposure to trauma, which can cause the brain to become stuck in a permanent "survival mode" (hypervigilance). Invisible wounds—such as PTSD, moral injury, and burnout—if left untreated, can lead to devastating consequences including substance abuse, broken relationships, and high suicide risk.

Why a "Reset" is Crucial

Preventing Cumulative Damage: Unlike a single traumatic event, veterans and first responders experience cumulative, repeated exposure to trauma. Resetting allows the nervous system to leave "fight-or-flight" mode, reducing chronic anxiety, emotional numbness, and irritability.
Restoring Functionality: Untreated mental health conditions impair judgment, productivity, and decision-making in the field, which can jeopardize the safety of themselves and others.
Reintegrating and Reconnecting: A reset helps bridge the gap between a high-stress, structured, and often dangerous professional life and the requirements of a healthy, calm civilian life and family environment.
Post-Traumatic Growth: Through proper care, these traumatic experiences can be transformed into a source of inner strength, allowing them to lead purposeful lives rather than being haunted by the past.

Adverse Effects of Not Getting "Back on Track"

Severe Mental Health Issues: Untreated PTSD often leads to depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and severe sleep disturbances.
Substance Abuse: Many turn to alcohol or drugs to self-medicate, which ultimately worsens the mental condition and creates a cycle of dependency.
Suicidal Ideation: Veterans and first responders are at a higher risk of suicide compared to the general population due to accumulated, unaddressed trauma.
Relationship Failure & Isolation: Survivors often become emotionally detached, defensive, or withdrawn, leading to strained relationships, divorce, and social isolation.
Physical Health Decline: Chronic stress from untreated invisible wounds contributes to physical illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, headaches, and digestive problems.

Key Ways to Get Back on Track

Specialized Trauma Therapies: Evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Prolonged Exposure (PE) are designed to target the root of the trauma.
Peer Support and Camaraderie: Connecting with other veterans or first responders who understand the unique, high-stress culture is often more effective than traditional therapy alone.
"Reset" Programs (e.g., Warrior PATHH, Trauma Reset): These are structured, often short-term, intensive training programs designed to teach proactive coping skills and self-regulation techniques to "reset" the brain.
Mindfulness and Grounding Exercises: Practices such as deep-breathing, yoga, and meditation help manage the physical symptoms of stress and reduce hyperarousal.
Utilizing Specialized Resources: Accessing organizations like the VA (through 988, press 1), the First Responder Support Network, or specialized wellness centers that focus on "invisible injuries".
Physical Activity and Nature: Activities such as group hiking or working out can mirror the structure and team aspect of service, providing a natural way to ground the nervous system.

5 Simple Ways to Reset Your Mental Health

Deep Dive on "Reset" Concept

A "Reset" is about shifting from a "warrior" or "responder" mindset back to a "civilian" or "relaxed" state. This includes acknowledging that the high-stress, dangerous environment is no longer present, and the brain's "alarm system" (the amygdala) needs to be recalibrated to recognize safety. It involves processing memories that have been suppressed or "stuck" in a state of re-experiencing the danger.

Trauma-Informed Care: Programs that provide this understand that standard counseling might not work; they use "trauma-informed" approaches that recognize the unique culture of service.
The Power of "Taking a Knee": It is not about quitting, but about pausing for training that allows veterans and first responders to continue living their lives with passion and purpose

Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Forever Forward!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Thursday (TONIGHT), April 2, 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)