TONIGHT "Mental Health & Your Personality!" Join Mikel & Friends for Warriors for Life (WFL)
- Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
Drop in TONIGHT with Volunteer and Army Veteran Mikel Burroughs for "Burly's Warriors" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, 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: "Mental Health & Your Personality!"
Join Mikel and Bella TONIGHT and let's get together online for the Warriors for Life (WFL) as we talk about "Mental Health & Your Personality!" A discussion about how do you keep from making Your Mental Health Issues part of your personality?
To keep from making mental health issues part of your personality, focus on your identity beyond the condition by using "I have" statements instead of "I am," and build your self-esteem through accomplishments and self-care. It is also crucial to separate yourself from the illness through professional help, like therapy, and by connecting with a support system that views you as a whole person, not just your mental health condition.
Change how you identify yourself
Use person-first language: Instead of saying "I am depressed," try "I have depression". This frames the condition as something you have, not who you are.
Identify with strengths: Focus on your positive traits and other aspects of your life beyond your mental health. You can build self-esteem by focusing on accomplishments outside of managing your condition.
Set small, achievable goals: Accomplishing small tasks can create a sense of control and give you feelings of achievement, which helps boost self-esteem.
Prevent Mental Health Issues From Becoming a Core Part of Your Personality
Work on separating your identity from the condition by using "I have..." statements and by engaging in a balanced lifestyle that includes self-care, social connections, and professional help. Focus on building a strong sense of self through activities and hobbies you enjoy, while also being mindful of your physical health through diet, sleep, and exercise.
Separate your identity from the condition
Use "person-first" language: Instead of saying "I'm suffering from PTSD," say "I have PTSD".
Recognize that your condition is not your identity: Acknowledge that your mental health condition is a part of your life, but not the entirety of who you are.
Cultivate a strong sense of self
Engage in enjoyable activities: Reconnect with old hobbies or find new ones to do. Activities like playing an instrument, painting, or learning a new skill can provide a healthy distraction and a sense of accomplishment.
Find meaning and purpose: Develop a sense of meaning and purpose in your life, which can improve your mental health.
Practice positive self-talk: Be kind to yourself and challenge negative thought patterns. This can improve self-esteem and confidence.
Focus on a healthy lifestyle
Prioritize physical health: Take care of your body, as physical and mental health are connected.
Eat a balanced diet: A nutritious diet can support your mental well-being.
Get enough sleep: Adequate and regular sleep is crucial for mood, focus, and overall mental health.
Stay active: Physical activity can help relieve stress and improve your mood.
Avoid harmful substances: Stay away from substances that can negatively impact your mental health.
Build strong social connections
Stay connected with others: Spend time with friends and family, as strong relationships are shown to reduce anxiety and depression.
Talk to trusted people: Confide in friends, family, or a member of your clergy about your mental health, and consider joining a support group like Warriors for Life (WFL) Online Peer Support Network with Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).
Seek professional help
Talk to a therapist: Psychotherapy is a primary treatment for many mental health conditions and can help you understand and manage your symptoms.
Consider medication: In some cases, medication can help manage specific symptoms like anxiety or mood swings.
Educate yourself: Learn about your specific condition to reduce stigma and self-doubt.
Don't Let Your Mental Health Define Your Personality
To prevent your mental health from defining your personality, remember you are more than your diagnosis by using different language, like saying "I am having a flare-up" instead of "I am depressed," and focusing on your strengths and what is important to you.
Build resilience and self-awareness
Be the "boss of you": Remind yourself that you are in control of your life and your choices. Focus on what is most important to you, rather than what you feel you "should" do.
Set boundaries: If you are struggling with stigma, you can mentally create a "resilience
bubble" that helps you to let negativity bounce off you instead of affecting you deeply.
Our Vision at Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is simple: "Where Hope, Support, and Healing come together!"
We encourage you to join us, Everyone is Welcome, Everyone Matters, You Matter to Us, so Talk to Us! — invite a friend!
Warriors for Life (WFL) Peer Support Network Online "Burly's Warriors" edition, presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — (TONIGHT), November 22, 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/87197441247
Remember: Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) meets on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays — (7-days) a week. Every week stay connected on Friday Mornings with "Coffee with Kim" and Monday Mornings for "Cup O' Joe" with Derrick at 8:00 AM CT.
“Everyone Matters, Talk to Us!"— Army Veteran Mikel Burroughs
Thank you,
Army Veteran Mikel Burroughs
Founder & Volunteer Facilitator, Warriors for Life (WFL), & CEO, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)
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