Sounds Interesting - Join Steven & Friends TONIGHT for "National Grouch Day!" with Warriors for Life (WFL)

Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
Oct 14
4 min read

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: "National Grouch Day!"

"Grouchiness. We all get it. Sometimes we act on it, often we suppress it, yet most of the time we swallow our irritability with our frustration and just press on. Today, however, is a time to celebrate and embrace the grouchiness you may have been feeling lately, for it's National Grouch Day, a day inspired by Oscar the Grouch's character on Sesame Street since 1976!

So what is the benefit of embracing your inner grouch? What could possibly be the advantage to yourself and others of celebrating crankiness? Believe it or not, there are reasons not to suppress the grumpiness of one's irritation. One such benefit is honesty to oneself and others. When we are honest with our own feelings and emotions, we can avoid lies and sustain accurate interactions with society's members. Another advantage is that expressing your grouchiness can prevent ulcers, headaches, and stress-related illnesses by not having to keep emotions bottled up. Of course, because being a grouch can be stressful to other members of society in your interactions with them. It can cause hurt feelings, pain, and insulting actions that may jeopardize relationships, hence the one day only a year we celebrate being a Grouch!"

Chronic grouchiness, or irritability, has a significant negative impact on mental health and is a common symptom of various conditions. It is more than a simple bad mood; unchecked, it can contribute to a cycle of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression.

Link to depression and anxiety

Irritability is closely linked with other mental health disorders, rather than being an isolated problem.

Atypical depression: In adults, irritability is frequently a sign of a more complex, severe, and chronic form of depression.
Anxiety: A grouchy or irritable mood that is accompanied by high energy and constant worrying may be a manifestation of anxiety.
Bipolar disorder: Persistent irritability is a core symptom of a manic or hypomanic episode. Some people with bipolar disorder, particularly men, may experience irritability rather than euphoric or "high" moods.
Childhood trauma: For some people, intense and seemingly uncontrolled anger or rage can be a symptom of unresolved trauma.

Effects on well-being and daily life

Beyond its connection to clinical disorders, persistent irritability can directly harm your overall well-being.

Strained relationships: A consistently grouchy mood is difficult for others to be around. It can damage relationships with family and friends, leading to isolation and loneliness.
Negative self-perception: The shame and guilt that can follow angry outbursts can decrease self-esteem and lead to negative self-talk.
Poor decision-making: Chronic anger problems can lead to poor judgment, increased risk-taking, and a higher likelihood of substance abuse.
Cognitive overload: Irritability often coexists with mental clutter and can make it difficult to focus, process information, and make sound decisions.

Addressing persistent grouchiness

Identifying and managing the root causes of irritability is key to protecting your mental health. Consider the following:

Recognize your triggers. Keep a mood diary to identify what situations, people, or events tend to provoke your frustration. Common triggers include stress, lack of sleep, hunger, and substance use.
Practice relaxation. Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and yoga can help calm your nervous system and reduce feelings of agitation.
Adopt healthy habits. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and prioritizing good sleep hygiene can help stabilize your mood. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol.
Set boundaries. If certain situations or people consistently make you feel irritable, it may be necessary to set healthy limits. This can involve reducing your exposure to stressors and learning to say no to new obligations.
Seek professional help. If your irritable mood is persistent and significantly impacting your life, it is important to talk to a doctor or licensed mental health professional. They can help rule out underlying medical issues and recommend effective treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Strategies to Manage Irritability and Grouchiness!

Join Air Force veteran, author, and Peer Support Specialist Steven Bates with the Warriors for Life Mid-Week Musings peer support group tonight as we talk about celebrating National Grouch Day and some of the benefits of embracing your inner Oscar the Grouch!

Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Mid-Week Musings!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Wednesday (TONIGHT), October 15, 2025, @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87440882846

Thank you,

Steven Bates

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

Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc.