TONIGHT IT'S A DISCUSSION ABOUT "ANXIETY!" LED BY KIRK AND FRIENDS AND WARRIORS FOR LIFE (WFL)! WHY NOT STOP IN AND JOIN US?

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 what support Victory for Veterans provides 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: "Anxiety!"

Join Kirk and Friends, TONIGHT and let's get together online for the Warriors for Life (WFL) as we talk about "Anxiety!"

Anxiety is a common, often temporary response to stress, characterized by worry, fear, and physical symptoms like a racing heart. When persistent and overwhelming, it becomes a treatable mental health disorder impacting daily life. Effective management includes therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes like exercise and mindfulness.

WHAT IS ANXIETY?

Anxiety is the body's natural response to stress, acting as an inner nervous uneasiness that prepares individuals for potential dangers. It involves the "fight or flight" response, which can cause both emotional distress and physical sensations.

Normal vs. Disorder:
While everyone experiences anxiety before events like exams or interviews, an anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable, and persistent fear or worry that impairs daily functioning.

Physical Symptoms:
These include dizziness, a racing heart, nausea, dry mouth, sweating, trembling, and muscle tension.

Cognitive and Behavioral Symptoms:
These include persistent worries, difficulty concentrating, irritability, insomnia, and avoidance behaviors.

COMMON TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS

Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias, are the most common mental illnesses in the U.S.. They affect over 21% of adults and 7% of children (aged 3-17) annually.

WHEN TO SEEK HELP

Anxiety becomes a mental health concern when it is intense, long-lasting, out of proportion to the situation, or interferes with work, school, or relationships.

Treatment Options:
Common treatments include psychotherapy (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and medication.

Self-Care and Lifestyle:
Reducing caffeine and nicotine, ensuring adequate sleep, exercising, and practicing mindfulness or meditation can help manage symptoms.

Support:
Talking about anxiety helps normalize it and improves understanding.

Crisis Resources:
If in immediate danger, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

TIPS FOR DISCUSSING ANXIETY

Plan Ahead: Know what you want to communicate.

Be Direct:
Do not be afraid to admit you have anxiety.

Know Your Audience:
Tailor your explanation to whom you are speaking.

Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Awaken Your Inner Healer!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) - Monday (TONIGHT), December 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/ [login to see] 2

Thank you,

Kirk Poe, Certified Peer Support Specialist, Reiki Master, Certified Body/Emotion/Belief Code Practitioner, & Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - "You Are Worthy of Every Opportunity to Heal!". - - - - - - - - - - - - -


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