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Join Kirk & Friends TONIGHT for a Discussion About "Suffering!" with Warriors for Life (WFL)

Drop in TONIGHT with Volunteer, Peer Support Specialist Kirk Poe filling in for Army Veteran Mikel Burroughs for "Burly's Warriors" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, 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 with 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: "Suffering!"



Join Kirk & Friends TONIGHT as we discuss "Suffering!" when it comes to invisible wounds (PTSD, MST, TBI, etc.) and your Mental Health. We hope you'll join us!



Suffering from invisible wounds—such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression—creates profound isolation, internal doubt, and shame, often compounded by social invalidation ("you look fine"). It causes severe emotional, cognitive, and physical dysfunction, including panic attacks and memory issues. Overcoming this requires professional therapy, mindfulness, self-compassion, and rebuilding social connections. 



How Suffering Affects Individuals


  • Isolation and Misunderstanding: The lack of visible proof creates a "credibility gap," where individuals feel their pain is unseen or dismissed, leading to internalized shame and reluctance to seek help.

  • Constant Psychological Distress: Symptoms like emotional numbness, intense anger, flashbacks, or fear often persist long after a traumatic event.

  • Behavioral and Social Impairment: Individuals may experience hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, and strained relationships, often withdrawing to avoid social discomfort or judgment.

  • Internalized Stigma: The belief that one should "just get over it" makes individuals feel broken or "dramatic," which fuels further pain. 



How to Overcome the Suffering


  • Seek Evidence Based Therapies: Trauma-focused psychotherapies (such as CBT and EMDR) are highly effective in managing PTSD, reducing symptoms like intrusive thoughts, and treating depression.

  • Practice Mindfulness and Acceptance: Suffering is often intensified by resisting the current situation; bringing awareness to the present moment and accepting feelings without judgment can diminish the power of emotional pain.

  • Develop Self-Compassion and Nurtuing: Replacing self-judgment with self-care, acknowledging the pain, and allowing oneself to heal rather than striving for immediate "fix-it" solutions is vital.

  • Build Social Support Systems: Connecting with others who have similar experiences (support groups) reduces the feeling of being a burden and breaks the cycle of isolation.

  • Find Meaning and Purpose: Actively engaging in finding meaning, such as transforming pain into compassion for others or through creative outlets, helps to build resilience. 



Overcoming these wounds is generally a journey of managing symptoms through support rather than a quick cure


Find Meaning in Suffering



Our Vision at Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is simple: "Where Hope, Support, and Healing come together!"


We encourage you to join us, Everyone is Welcome, Everyone Matters, You Matter to Us, so Talk to Us! — invite a friend!


Veterans Crisis Line (24/7): Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255, or use online chat.



Warriors for Life (WFL) Peer Support Network Online "Burly's Warriors" edition, presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — (TONIGHT), March 21, 2026 @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET



Remember: Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) meets on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays — (7-days) a week. Every week stay connected on Friday Mornings with "Coffee with Lauren" and Monday Mornings for "Cup O' Joe" with Derrick at 8:00 AM CT.


“Everyone Matters, Talk to Us!"— Army Veteran Mikel Burroughs


Thank you,


Kirk Poe, Certified Peer Support Specialist, Reiki Master, Certified Body/Emotion/Belief Code Practitioner, & Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)


"You are Worthy of Every Opportunity to Heal!" 


"Warriors for Life (WFL) doesn't prescribe any medications, we are not medical professionals, and you should always follow your Primary Provider's guidance and prescribed regimen of treatment. This is strictly group peer support, topics, and information sharing."

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