Catch 22 Peer Support

10/19/2026

MON, 19 OCT 2026
National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month
"October is National Depression and Mental Health Awareness and Screening Month – a crucial time
for promoting understanding, reducing stigma, and encouraging individuals to seek help for mental
health challenges"
(https://www.dcpas.osd.mil/) Educate Yourself and Others – Understanding mental health is the first step toward reducing
stigma. Share data-based information about depression and the importance of mental
health screenings with friends, family, and your community.
2. Encourage Open Conversations – Create a brave space for discussions about mental health.
Encourage loved ones to express their feelings and concerns without fear of judgment.
3. Promote Available Resources – Share credible resources that provide support for mental
health. Ensure that individuals know where to find help when they need it.
4. Advocate for Mental Health – Support initiatives that promote mental health awareness in
your community. Participate in local events, campaigns, or online discussions to destigmatize
the impacts of mental health.
5. Practice Self-Care – Taking care of your own mental health is essential. Engage in activities
that promote well-being, such as exercise, mindfulness, and connecting with others.
Reach out
You matter - we care

10/18/2026

SUN, 18 OCT 2026
Camaraderie
"a friendly feeling toward people with whom you share an experience or with whom you work"
{https://dictionary.cambridge.org/.../english/camaraderie}
When we wore the uniform, we developed a sense of camaraderie within our unit. We relied on each other as we served. We formed a bond that many will not understand.
Out of the military, we often keep those ties or find other vets and form new ones.
This sense of camaraderie is more likely than not to help us as we deal with mental health issues. You do not have to be alone. There is help.
Reach out
You matter - we care

10/17/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1U6tMcXkin/

SAT, 17 OCT 2026
Are you in your head?
We often hear this phrase about being in our heads. What does it mean?
In Psychology Today, Tchiki Davis, Ph.D., writes, "To be in your head usually means overthinking or overanalyzing a situation. Your mind can “wander” to the future and you might worry about things that can possibly happen, or it can “wander” to the past and replay the bad events that happened previously."
( https://www.psychologytoday.com/.../are-you-an-overthinker )
Being in our head is the continuous thinking about the same thoughts. This can increase depression and anxiety. We may have the tendency to replay negative thoughts over and over.
There are ways to get out of your head.
* Acknowledge what is happening.
* Journal your thoughts.
* Challenge those thoughts and respond to the thoughts, instead of reacting to them.
Talk to your provider to find ways that will help you. There is hope, and there is help.
Reach out
You matter - we care

10/16/2026

FRI, 16 OCT 2026
RED Friday
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You matter - we care

10/15/2026

THU, 15 OCT 2026
Su***de Crisis
Su***de Awareness Month is behind us, but the crisis is still here. The number of lives lost to su***de is estimated to double.
"The rate of su***de among veterans may be more than double what federal officials report annually because of undercounting related to drug overdose deaths and service record errors, according to a new analysis released Saturday."
"If those figures were to be repeated across the other states, it would push the veterans su***de rate from about 17 individuals a day (the official estimate released by the Department of Veterans Affairs last year) to 44 veterans a day."
[https://www.militarytimes.com/.../veterans-su***de.../....]
Su***de is preventable.
Let us all work to prevent the loss of our brothers and sisters.
Reach out
You matter - we care

10/14/2026

WED, 14 OCT 2026
Mental Health and Stigma
Stigma is defined as " a set of negative and unfair beliefs that a society or group of people has about something".
(https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stigma)
According to the APA, more than half of people with mental health issues do not get help with those issues. One reason for this is the stigma surrounding mental illness. Not seeking help for a mental illness can lead to more harm.
(https://www.psychiatry.org/pati.../stigma-and-discrimination).
We need to normalize the conversation about mental health. It is OK to not be Okay.
If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health issues, ask for help. Asking for help is a sign of strength. If you are not sure, you can join a peer support group (in person or virtual). See what others are doing to improve their mental health.
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You matter - we care
Health ***de Responders

10/13/2026

TUE, 13 OCT 2026
ZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz...
Sleep and Mental Health
We all know that getting the proper amount of sleep is key to maintaining good physical health. Sleep is also a vital part of good mental health.
According to Kendra Cherry-
"Research suggests that the relationship between sleep and mental health is complex. While lack of sleep has long been known to be a consequence of many psychiatric conditions, more recent views suggest that lack of sleep can also play a causal role in both the development and maintenance of different mental health problems.
In other words, sleep problems can lead to changes in mental health, but mental health conditions can also worsen problems with sleep. Lack of sleep may trigger the onset of certain psychological conditions, although researchers are not completely certain of the underlying reasons for this."
( https://www.verywellmind.com/how-sleep-affects-mental... )
Many veterans develop Sleep Apnea or Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This condition can be a primary or secondary disability rating.
Not getting the proper amount of sleep can cause bigger problems in our physical and mental health. Talk to your provider to get screened and learn about treatment options.
Reach out
You matter - we care

10/12/2026

MON, 12 OCT 2026
If you don't like it, Don't get it.
(wisdom from a youngster)
A short while back, I was in a video meeting, and the young son of the facilitator came home from school. Like many youngsters, he wanted an after-school snack, and he chose a packet of oatmeal (a healthy choice!). As he was asking his mother if he could have it, they discussed the flavor. He then stated, If I like this flavor, we can get more, but if I don't like it, don't get it!
I thought about this for a few days and then realized that when it comes to our mental health, we have choices.
When we face a situation, we can choose how we respond to that situation. If it is something pleasant to deal with, we can try to remember those good thoughts and emotions. If the situation is a trigger, we can choose how we respond to that trigger. The key is to learn our triggers and have a plan to respond to those triggers in a positive way.
In other words- if we don't like it- don't get it.
Be proactive, learn the things that trigger you, and find a way to deal with them.
Reach out
You matter - we care
(Thank you, Diana Rodriguez)

10/11/2026

SUN, 11 OCT 2026
Mental Health
Flashbacks
What Is a Flashback?
A flashback is a PTSD symptom that involves vividly re-experiencing a traumatic event. These episodes may occur suddenly and unexpectedly in response to a trigger that reminds you of the trauma.
[Matthew Tull, Ph.D. - https://www.verywellmind.com/coping-with-flashbacks-2797574]
A flashback can occur when we experience a trigger, such as a certain sound or smell. A trigger can bring us back to the traumatic event we experienced.
To deal with a flashback, try a grounding technique. You can find some here: https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding-techniques. A grounding technique can help you control flashback symptoms by turning your thoughts away from the trauma memory and towards the here and now.
To avoid possible future flashbacks, learn what your triggers are and then discuss them with your provider to find ways to deal with them. There is help, and there is hope.
Reach out
You matter - we care

10/10/2026

SAT, 10 OCT 2026
World Mental Health Day
Since 1992, the 10th of October has been World Mental Health Day. It is designed to raise awareness and stop the stigma surrounding mental health.
Could you take some time to learn about mental health issues?
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You matter - we care