New Week - Join Kirk & Friends for Discussion About "Anger!" TONIGHT with Warriors for Life (WFL)
- Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
Come join Volunteer, Peer Support Specialist Kirk Poe for "Awaken Your Inner Healer!" 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) provides 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: "Anger!"
Join Kirk and Friends, TONIGHT and let's get together online for the Warriors for Life (WFL) as we discuss "Anger!" and mental health. How does "Anger" affect your mental health or invisible wounds?
For veterans, first responders, and active-duty members, anger is often a "survival mode" response that was adaptive in high-threat environments but becomes a burden at home. In these communities, anger is frequently a secondary emotion masking "invisible wounds" like PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), or Moral Injury.
Causes of Anger Linked to Invisible Wounds
PTSD & Survival Mode: High-stress environments condition the nervous system to remain in a constant state of "fight-or-flight". This causes intense reactions to minor daily frustrations, like traffic or loud noises, as the brain perceives them as threats.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Physical damage to the brain’s frontal lobe can impair impulse control and emotional regulation, leading to sudden, uncharacteristic outbursts of irritability or rage.
Moral Injury: Witnessing or participating in actions that violate your personal ethical code can create a simmering "moral pain" that manifests as deep-seated resentment or anger.
Caregiver Burden: Caregivers often experience anger due to a sense of powerlessness, chronic exhaustion, or the frustration of seeing a loved one struggle without clear progress.
Signs Anger is Taking Over
Hypervigilance: Feeling constantly "on edge," keyed up, or looking for danger in safe situations (e.g., needing to sit facing the door in restaurants).
Strained Relationships: Frequent lashing out, verbal outbursts, or a tendency toward "backstabbing" or passive-aggressive behavior at home or work.
Physical Warning Signs: Increased heart rate, muscle tension (clenched fists/shoulders), and shallow breathing becoming your "normal" baseline.
Withdrawal and Numbing: Using alcohol or drugs to "quiet" the anger or isolating from family and friends to avoid a potential blow-up.
Tips and Practices for Overcoming Anger
Early Detection: Learn your physical "tells" (like heat in your face or rapid breathing) and remove yourself from the situation immediately before you react.
The "Think First" Shift: Practice changing the military-style "act first, think later" habit to a "think first, act later" approach through deliberate pauses or counting to ten.
Grounding Techniques: Use your five senses to "re-anchor" to the present. Drink cold water, listen to soothing music, or focus on the physical sensation of your feet on the floor.
Structured Physical Outlet: High-intensity exercise or endurance activities can help "burn off" the physiological arousal of anger.
Support for TBI: If a TBI is involved, focus on getting at least 7–8 hours of sleep and managing overstimulation (avoiding bright lights or loud noises when feeling irritable).
Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Awaken Your Inner Healer!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) - Monday (TONIGHT), April 20, 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/86121340012
Thank you,
Kirk Poe, Certified Peer Support Specialist, Reiki Master, Certified Body/Emotion/Belief Code Practitioner, & Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)
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