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Join Steven & Friends TONIGHT for "What's your Hinderance?" 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.



TONIGHT's Topic: "What's your Hinderance?"



"Ahh Life, it always gets in the way of Life itself.  So much can keep us from our journey into our Mental Health healing that there have actually been studies on what keeps us from healing.  These hindrances are called Social Determinants of Health.  There are many categories of these social determinants, all considered to be non-medical hindrances to progressing in a positive direction.  These include a variety of things, from economic factors to education access and quality.  From health care access and quality to neighborhood and built environment.   Also included are the social and community context.  All these factors can inhibit your mental health recovery progress.  So how do we combat these hindrances?  How do we identify things that hamper our progress?"


A hindrance is anything that slows or obstructs progress, like internal struggles (fear, self-doubt, laziness, worry, anger, distraction) or external factors (circumstances, unhelpful people, lack of resources) that make achieving goals harder. Identifying your personal hindrances involves self-awareness, recognizing patterns that delay you, and pinpointing specific thoughts or behaviors that impede your success, often relating to mindset, habits, or emotional responses. 



Common Types of Hindrances


  • Internal/Mental:

    • Fear of failure or judgment

    • Perfectionism (aiming for impossible standards)

    • Procrastination (torpor, lethargy, "I can't be bothered")

    • Worry, anxiety, or restlessness

    • Self-criticism, harsh judgment, or anger

    • Lack of focus or easily distracted


  • External/Situational:

    • Unsupportive people or negative influences

    • Circumstances like financial instability or time constraints

    • Lack of resources or clear direction



  • Spiritual/Emotional (in some contexts):

    • Craving or sensual desire (greed)

    • Ill will or resentment

    • Spiritual doubt or a legalistic mindset 


How to Identify Your Hindrance


  1. Reflect Honestly: Ask yourself what truly stops you from taking action or reaching your goals.

  2. Look for Patterns: Notice recurring thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that derail you.

  3. Consider Examples: Think of specific times you failed or struggled and what caused it.

  4. Distinguish from Obstacles: A hindrance is often something you can address internally (like an attitude), while an obstacle might be a larger, external problem (like a lack of funding). 


By identifying your hindrances, you can then develop strategies to overcome them, such as practicing mindfulness, seeking support, or breaking down goals into smaller, manageable steps



Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) significantly affect mental health by shaping the environments in which people live, work, learn, and play [2]. These "hindrances" can create chronic stress, reduce access to care and resources, and lead to disparities in mental wellness.


Key ways SDOH affect mental health include:


  • Economic Stability: Financial insecurity, poverty, and unemployment can lead to persistent anxiety and depression [2]. The stress of meeting basic needs like food and housing can have a profound impact on a person's psychological well-being.

  • Education Access and Quality: Limited access to quality education can hinder employment opportunities and earning potential, contributing to a cycle of poverty and associated mental health challenges [2].

  • Healthcare Access and Quality: A lack of access to affordable, quality mental healthcare services can prevent people from receiving necessary treatment, worsening existing conditions [2].

  • Neighborhood and Built Environment: Living in neighborhoods with high crime rates, inadequate housing, and limited access to safe outdoor spaces can increase stress and the risk of trauma-related mental health issues [2].

  • Social and Community Context: Experiences of discrimination, social isolation, and lack of social support can damage mental health [2]. A strong sense of community and positive social connections are vital protective factors. 


These factors often interact and compound each other. For example, a person facing economic instability may live in a neighborhood with fewer healthcare options and higher crime, exacerbating mental distress [2]. Addressing these underlying social and economic factors is crucial for improving overall mental health outcomes across populations. Resources on this topic can be found from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).


Join Air Force veteran, author, and Peer Support Specialist Steven Bates with the Warriors for Life Mid-Week Musings Peer Support group as we discuss identifying and combating our own hindrances to mental health recovery and healing.


Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Mid-Week Musings!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Wednesday (TONIGHT), January 14, 2026, @ 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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