Join Derrick & Friends TONIGHT for "Selvage!" with Warriors for Life (WFL)
- Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
- Mar 18
- 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: "Selvage!"
Join Derrick and friends TONIGHT for "Selvage!" A discussion about "Selvage" in a metaphorically sense that prevents individuals responding or reacting to triggers from unraveling like a piece of fabric.
Tonight we will focus on the definition of triggers as external stimuli (sights, sounds, smells, words) that cause immediate, often automatic, physiological, or emotional reactions.
However, interpreting "selvage" in a literal, metaphorical sense—as the finished, woven edge of fabric that prevents it from unraveling—it could be understood in a mental health context to mean:
The Protective Boundary: The "selvage" represents a person's inner boundary or defensive edge that stops them from "unraveling" into emotional dysregulation when faced with a trigger.
The Mechanism of Self-Soothing: It refers to the internal tools, coping mechanisms, or "hard-woven" habits (like mindfulness or self-compassion) that keep a person intact, holding them together when they are struggling.
A Solid Edge: In therapy, this can represent strengthening one's sense of self-worth and stability—the "edge" of their persona—to prevent triggers from causing a collapse, such as self-sabotage.
Contextual Definitions from Search Results:
Triggers: These are seen as "reflexes," often setting off survival modes (fight, flight, freeze, fawn, or flop) that are involuntary, rather than conscious choices.
Response to Triggers: Instead of "selvage," experts focus on developing a "strong inner voice," "emotional regulation," and "grounding techniques" to handle the uncomfortable memories or behaviors.
Reacting to triggers involves pausing and using coping strategies to shift your mood rather than reacting impulsively. Effective techniques include deep breathing, grounding exercises (e.g., naming 5 things you see), physical activity, and self-compassion. The goal is to create space between the stimulus and your response.
Key Strategies to Manage Triggers:
Pause and Breathe: When triggered, take a slow, deep breath to calm your nervous system.
Identify the Trigger: Notice the physical and emotional reactions in your body, such as clenched fists, and identify what caused them.
Ground Yourself: Use grounding techniques like the 5-4-3-2-1 method or by touching something cold.
Practice Self-Compassion: Acknowledge your feelings without judgment, perhaps by placing a hand on your heart or belly, and reminding yourself that the emotion will pass.
Create Space: If possible, take a break by walking away from the situation to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Reframe the Situation: Shift your perspective to see the situation as less threatening (e.g., considering a colleague’s harsh tone is due to their stress).
Set Boundaries: Establish firm, healthy boundaries to protect your emotional safety.
Journaling: Write down what triggered you to help identify patterns.
Long-Term Approaches:
Understand Your Triggers: Pay attention to situations, people, or emotions that, as discussed on this Reddit thread and this Psychology Today article, create extreme emotional reactions, says one user on the Prospect Medical Group website.
Own Your Triggers: Acknowledge that the, according to a Psychology Today article, trigger belongs to you and is not solely caused by others.
Therapy: Seek professional help to, as explained by Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates, explore the deeper roots of your triggers.
Use Grounding Techniques: Techniques such as the, according to Experience Life magazine, "butterfly hug" can help manage, says a user on a Facebook group, your nervous system, suggest authors on Experience Life magazine.
When Triggered, Try This:
Name the Emotion: Identify what you are feeling (e.g., "I am feeling scared").
Use the "Thymus Thump": As described by Experience Life magazine, tap your chest to calm your, says a user on a Facebook group, body.
Practice Self-Care: Engage in comforting activities
Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Forever Forward!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Thursday (TONIGHT), March 19, 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)
Comments