Your Not Alone! Join Mikel & Friends TONIGHT for "Navigating Stigma & Self-Advocacy!" with Warriors for Life (WFL)
- Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
- 8 hours ago
- 3 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.
"Navigating Stigma & Self-Advocacy!"
Join Mikel & Friends TONIGHT as we discuss "Navigating Stigma & Self-Advocacy!"
Stigma is one of the most significant barriers to well-being, especially within communities that value strength, self-reliance, and "driving on." When identity becomes intertwined with a diagnosis or a struggle, it can lead to a sense of lost purpose. Separating who you are from what you are going through is the first step toward effective self-advocacy.
Understanding the Impact Across the Community
The weight of stigma manifests differently depending on one’s role, but the underlying challenge of "asking for help" remains a common thread.
Veterans & Active Duty: There is often a fear that seeking support reflects a lack of "mental toughness" or could impact career progression and security clearances. This can lead to "masking," where individuals suppress symptoms to maintain their professional identity.
First Responders: The "hero" narrative can be a heavy burden. Police, fire, and EMS personnel often feel they must be the ones providing help, not receiving it. Stigma here often revolves around the fear of being seen as "unfit for duty" by their peers.
Caregivers & Family Members: Stigma is often felt as "secondary shame" or isolation. Families may hide the reality of their situation to protect the service member’s reputation, leading to burnout and a lack of necessary support systems for the household.
Tips for Navigating Stigma & Self-Advocacy
1. Use "Externalizing" Language
Shift your internal dialogue. Instead of saying "I am depressed" or "I am broken," try "I am experiencing symptoms of [X]." This creates a healthy distance between your core identity and the health challenges you are managing.
2. Educate to Empower
Stigma usually grows in the soil of ignorance. By learning the physiological or psychological mechanics of your condition, you can explain your needs to others (doctors, supervisors, or family) with confidence and facts rather than apologies.
3. The "Objective-Based" Approach
In healthcare or the workplace, treat self-advocacy like a mission briefing. Clearly state:
The Current Situation: "I am currently managing [X]."
The Requirement: "To remain effective and healthy, I need [specific accommodation or treatment]."
The Outcome: "This will allow me to continue performing at my best."
4. Build Your "Advocacy Team"
You don't have to fight the stigma alone. Identify "safe" peers or mentors who understand the culture and can provide a reality check when you start feeling shame. Peer groups are the ultimate antidote to the isolation that stigma creates.
5. Practice "Selective Disclosure"
You are not required to tell everyone your story. Choosing who earns the right to hear your journey is a form of self-advocacy. Share only what is necessary to get the support you need, which helps you maintain control over your narrative.
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!
Veterans Crisis Line (24/7): Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255, or use online chat.
Warriors for Life (WFL) Peer Support Network Online "Burly's Warriors" edition, presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — (TONIGHT), April 11, 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/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)