Join Derrick and Friends TONIGHT for "Fight the Demons!" with Warriors for Life (WFL)
- Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
- 9 hours ago
- 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 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: "Fight the Demons!"
Join Derrick and friends TONIGHT for "Fight the Demons!" A discussion about mental health, intrusive thoughts, and the battle to win.
When dealing with intrusive thoughts and mental health battles, the idea of "fighting the demons" (metaphorical or spiritual) is often counterproductive and can actually increase the power of those thoughts. Psychological research suggests that actively fighting, suppressing, or trying to prove these thoughts wrong often makes them stronger, more persistent, and more frequent. Instead, the most effective strategies involve acceptance, mindfulness, and changing your relationship with the thoughts.
Here is a breakdown of why the traditional "fight" mindset is problematic and what to do instead:
The Problem with "Fighting"
The "White Bear" Phenomenon: Pushing unwanted thoughts away or struggling against them tends to reinforce their presence, known as the "white bear" effect.
Giving Power to Nothing: Intrusive thoughts are often "junk thoughts"—random, meaningless, and not indicative of your character or desires. Fighting them gives them a sense of importance they do not deserve.
Increased Anxiety: The battle to control these thoughts often turns into a power struggle, which increases stress and anxiety.
The "Blame Game": Viewing mental health struggles strictly as a "demonic battle" can sometimes lead to guilt and shame, causing individuals to feel that their suffering is a result of not having enough faith or not trying hard enough.
A More Effective Approach: "Accept, Don't Attack"
Rather than trying to destroy the "demons," mental health professionals, particularly those using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), suggest a different approach:
Accept and Allow: Acknowledge the thought's presence without judging yourself for having it or trying to force it away.
Label Them: When an intrusive thought occurs, call it out: "That is just an intrusive thought, not a reflection of me".
Observe Without Engaging: Imagine the thought as a cloud passing by or a leaf floating down a stream, letting it exist without reacting to it emotionally.
Focus on Values: Instead of focusing on getting rid of the thoughts, shift your focus to what actually matters (your goals, relationships, and passions).
Spiritual vs. Psychological Perspectives
Spiritual View: Some perspectives, particularly in certain Christian contexts, view these thoughts as spiritual warfare and recommend "taking every thought captive," using prayer, and verbally rebuking the thoughts.
Balanced View: A more holistic approach acknowledges that some may see these battles as spiritual, but that this should be paired with, not replaced by, professional mental health support (therapy and/or medication).
Summary: The goal is not to win a battle by killing the thoughts, but to reach a point where the thoughts, while still present, no longer cause fear or interfere with your life. You are not your thoughts; they are merely temporary, irritating, and often irrelevant mental events.
Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Forever Forward!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Thursday (TONIGHT), March 12, 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)
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