Catch 22 Peer Support

WED, 4 NOV 2026
Peer Support Groups
A convenient way to practice self-care and learn is by joining a peer support group.
A peer support group has members with a shared experience. You can interact with them, learn what treatments have helped them, you can make new friends and also share your experience.
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You matter - we care

TUE, 3 NOV 2026
Routines
When we wore the uniform, our lives were governed by a routine dictated by the mission and our unit. Our days were mostly on a set schedule: chow, work, dress, and sleep, all scheduled at certain times.
Having a routine can help our mental health. Kendra Cherry discusses routines and states, "Having a routine can be helpful at any time, particularly if you are trying to establish healthy habits, but these routines can be particularly important when aspects of your life feel uncertain."
Cherry writes that having a routine has mental health benefits-
"Having a regular routine can help you:
Lower stress levels
Form good daily habits
Take better care of your health
Feel more productive
Feel more focused"
( https://www.verywellmind.com/the-importance-of-keeping-a... )
With the holiday season approaching, consider establishing a routine that will help you feel more in control. If necessary, talk to your provider and your support system.
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You matter - we care

MON. 2 NOV 2026
Your Story Matters
We all have our own story inside of us. Sometimes we try to suppress that story because we think others cannot bear it. The truth is, sharing our story can help others. Sharing can inspire others and can save a life. What is your story? Reach out and talk to someone. There are people who will listen to your story and will not judge you. There are resources to help those who may struggle with themselves. There is hope.
Reach out,
You matter- we care

SUN, 1 NOV 2026
Stress
According to Elizabeth Scott, Ph.D., "Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional, or psychological strain. Stress is your body's response to anything that requires attention or action."
(https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-health-3145086)
Scott writes that there are 4 main types of stress:
"The main harmful types of stress are acute stress, chronic stress, and episodic acute stress. Acute stress is usually brief, chronic stress is prolonged, and episodic acute stress is short-term but frequent. Positive stress, known as eustress, can be fun and exciting, but it can also take a toll."
While stress is often looked at in a negative way, there is a form of 'good' stress, known as eustress. Scott tells us that eustress is a positive type of stress that can energize us.
Stress can cause physical symptoms such as diabetes, ulcers, and heart disease.
There is help. Talk to your provider to learn ways to manage stress.
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You matter - we care

SAT, 31 OCT 2026
Halloween
Trick or Treat?
If you are dealing with mental health issues, don't trick yourself! Instead, treat yourself by asking for help. It isn't "spooky" to ask for help; in fact, it is a sign of strength.
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You matter - we care

FRI, 30 OCT 2026
RED Friday
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THU, 29 OCT 2026
"What Is Mental Health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood."
(https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health)
Therapist and Author Shannon L. Alder writes, "The true definition of mental illness is when the majority of your time is spent in the past or future, but rarely living in the realism of NOW."
There is help; talk to your provider to discover ways to help you be in the present.
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You matter - we care

WED, 28 OCT 2026
Do not despair; there is HOPE!
Despair is defined as "the complete loss or absence of hope". (
"Desperation is a symptom of depression, although anyone can feel despair regardless of whether or not they are suffering from depression. We often feel despair after tragic events in our lives, especially when we experience a significant loss. It tends to be the main emotion people feel after a sudden traumatic event, which is normal, but can lead to irrational decision-making in the heat of the moment. Fortunately, we are capable of uncovering the light that is veiled by this hopeless feeling. We can learn to cope with these losses, move on, change, and continue our lives, although they will be altered in some way."
(https://www.theravive.com/therapedia/despair)
Despair can cause an increase in depressive symptoms.
There is help, there is hope.
“Don't despair, not even over the fact that you don't despair. Just when everything seems over with, new forces come marching up, and precisely that means that you are alive. "
Franz Kafka, Diaries, 1910-1923
Joining a peer support group can help.
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You matter - we care

TUE, 27 OCT 2026
Gifts
Each one of us has something to give. You may be a skilled craftsman or a licensed professional. Maybe you have musical talent. It can be the ability to just listen. Whatever it is, consider sharing it with your veteran family. You may be able to inspire someone who is struggling. Together we can save lives.
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You matter - we care

MON, 26 OCT 2026
'Tis the Season...
Psychologists call it "The Anniversary Reaction", "Anniversary Syndrome", or "Anniversary Effect". This is defined as "an individual's response to unresolved grief resulting from significant losses. The anniversary reaction can involve several days or even weeks of anxiety, anger, nightmares, flashbacks, depression, or fear."
Whatever name is used, the result is still the same: the date triggers the memory of the trauma and intensifies symptoms.
There is help. Talk to your provider, practice self-care, and use your support system.
"Give yourself time. It's normal to be reminded of a trauma on the anniversary day. Ask yourself if you are holding on to negative thoughts or behaviors and if there are more helpful ways to think or act. Healing and grief are processes that take time to unfold, and its different for everyone.
Be open to growth. Taking time—by talking with others or journaling—to make note of how you have grown since the event can be valuable. Even in loss, there can be positive changes over time. Consider ways to help yourself heal or recover that benefit your growth, like creating a meaningful ritual or honoring the loss you feel."
(https://www.ptsd.va.gov/.../anniversary_reactions.asp....)
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