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Join Steve & Friends TONIGHT for "Keeping Things Bottled Up" with Warriors for Life (WFL)

Join our Volunteer, Air Force Veteran, Peer Support Specialist, and Writer/Author Steven Bates TONIGHT for "Mid-Week Musings!" 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.


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TONIGHT's Topic:  "Keeping Things Bottled Up"


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"As I prepare for my father, who is 86 years old as of today, arriving later today, I have been attempting to come up with a topic for tonight that is, as always, relevant to the veteran as well as the day.  Much to my chagrin, I could not.  Since it is his birthday today, and he has had an amazing 30-year career in the Air Force as well as 30 years of teaching after that, I wanted to have a topic relevant to him and his astounding life.  Then it hit me, he collects Coca-Cola bottles, and he and I are traveling this weekend to Lebanon, TN for a bottle collecting show, and what topic is more relatable to a veteran than bottling things up?  After all, we are taught to suck it up, press on, bottle those emotions and carry on with the mission,   But how healthy is that? Is there an advantage to "bottling things up"?  What are the disadvantages?  What happens if the bottle explodes from too much pressure? What happens if the contents are never released? Do they become toxic?"


These and many more questions will be discussed tonight with Air Force veteran, author, and Peer Support Specialist Steven Bates during the Warriors for Life Mid-Week Musings Peer Support Group.  Join us as we discuss "Keeping Things Bottled Up" and hopefully find the answers to those and many more questions you may have!"


5 Signs You're Bottling Up Your Emotions


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Bottling up emotions can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression, and may cause emotional distress to manifest as physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or a racing heart. Over time, this can result in a feeling of being overwhelmed, unable to cope with daily life, and a potential "nervous breakdown" or mental health crisis. 


Mental health impacts


  • Increased stress and anxiety:

    Suppressing emotions is a stressful process for the body and mind, leading to chronic feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear.

  • Depression:

    Emotional suppression is linked to depression, where individuals may feel persistently sad, hopeless, or numb.

  • Emotional exhaustion:

    Constantly holding back feelings can lead to emotional exhaustion and a feeling of being overwhelmed or "stuck". 


Physical health impacts


  • Somatization:

    Emotional distress can become physical pain or symptoms.Examples include: 

    • Headaches or jaw clenching due to stress 

    • Digestive issues like an upset stomach or "butterflies" 

    • Muscle tension and soreness 

  • Cardiovascular issues:

    Stress from bottling up emotions can lead to a racing heart or high blood pressure over time. 


Behavioral impacts


  • Difficulty coping:

    The inability to cope with emotional pressure can make it difficult to function in daily life.

  • Reduced quality of life:

    Suppressed emotions can negatively impact relationships, work, and overall quality of life. 


How to cope


  • Express emotions healthily:

    Find healthy outlets like talking to a trusted friend, writing in a journal, or engaging in physical activity. 

  • Seek professional help:

    A therapist can provide tools and strategies for processing emotions in a healthy way. 


Don't Bottle It Up


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Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Mid-Week Musings!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Wednesday (TONIGHT), October 22, 2025, @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET



Thank you,


Steven Bates

Air Force Veteran, Writer/Author, Peer Support Specialist, &

Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc.


“Honor & Respect Always — Warriors for Life!”

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