Andy the “Anxious” Aardvark vs. Anxiety: How the Warrior Coin Turns Panic into Power
- Bruce Schutter
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
I wasn’t planning to run into Andy the “Anxious” Aardvark that day. I had just emerged from the grocery store with nothing I actually needed (except maybe the backup emergency nut butter), when I heard the rapid-fire patter of footsteps coming up behind me.
“Bruce! Bruce! I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Do you have two minutes? Or five? Maybe seven is too long? I don’t want to take too much of your time. Should I go? No—I should tell you this. Yes. I’m staying.”
It was Andy. Eyes wide. Backpack crooked. Tail slightly twitching.
Yup. Still anxious. Still a Warrior!
Andy’s a Warrior
Andy may be the most anxious aardvark in the state of Pennsylvania but make no mistake—he’s also a Mental Health Warrior. He knows my story. He’s lived parts of it himself.
I told him about my 20-year struggle with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD—and how it left me so powerless, I tried to end my life. But in that lowest moment, I discovered something life-changing: Mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge.
And from that realization, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program—a bold new SELF -HELP approach that puts the power in your hands. Designed so the YOU can take charge of your emotions, triumph over challenges and build the life you really want!
Andy remembered that. And he’s been using one particular part of the program ever since.
The Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin
Before Andy could explode from nervous excitement, I held up my hand. “Andy. Deep breath.”
He did. (Okay, it took four tries.)
Then he pulled a shiny object from his pocket. “I’ve been using my Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin and Bruce—it works. It really works. Want to know how?”
I smiled. “Of course I do.”
See, the coin is a physical part of the program. A daily reminder of your strength. A tangible tool to help ground you when emotions start to spiral. It's not magic—it's mindset. A small object you can carry with you every day, that says: “I’m a Warrior and I’ve got this!”
“Let me tell you three ways I used the coin this week!” he blurted out, practically vibrating with excitement.
Andy’s Coin Use 1: Grounding in the Panic
“Okay,” Andy said. “Let’s start with the grocery store—fitting, since you’re already here.”
Apparently, the fluorescent lighting, decision fatigue, and ominous background music of grocery stores is Andy’s personal anxiety apocalypse.
“But now,” he explained, “when I feel that chest-tightening, spiraling sense of doom in the cereal aisle, I reach into my pocket and grab the coin. Just hold it. Feel the edges. Focus on something real. It pulls me out of my head and back into the moment.”
Our Turn:
Anxiety thrives on racing thoughts and “what-ifs.” But physical grounding—like holding the Warrior Coin—interrupts that loop.
I use mine during tough conversations, while waiting on hold with insurance, and whenever I’m spiraling over things outside my control. It's one small action that brings me back.
So the next time your brain goes full disaster-movie mode, try this: Grab the coin. Feel its weight. And remind yourself: your emotions aren’t in control—you are!
Andy’s Coin Use 2: Respond Not React
Andy’s second example hit close to home.
“Last week,” he said, “I got an email with the subject line ‘Urgent.’ I immediately assumed I was getting fired… or that someone was disappointed in me… or maybe I’d accidentally deleted the entire internet.”
But instead of reacting and firing off a panicked reply, he paused, so he could RESPOND.
“I grabbed the coin,” he said. “Held it. Took a breath. Gave myself five minutes. Then I checked again. Turned out—it was just a reminder to bring muffins to the staff meeting.”
Our Turn:
This is classic Warrior Tool use—straight off the back of one of the Mental Health Warrior Coins: Mindset Rule 2: Respond, Not React.
I’ve done the same thing after getting a text that hit the wrong nerve.
Holding the coin gives me a beat to pause and choose how to move forward—instead of letting anxiety push the buttons!
The next time something sets you off, don’t speak. Don’t type. Just hold the coin. Reset.
Because Warriors act with purpose… even when muffins are involved.
Andy’s Coin Use 3: Building His Support Tribe
Andy leaned in for the third one. “This one’s kind of big,” he said. “I started using the coin to help me talk to people.”
He explained that when he’s overwhelmed, he’ll take the coin out during a conversation and show it to someone.
“I just say, ‘Hey, this helps me with anxiety. I’m working on being more open about it.’ And you know what? Most people get it. Some even ask where they can get one.”
Our Turn:
Connection is part of healing. And sometimes, talking about mental health is awkward, especially when anxiety tries to convince you that you’re “too much” or “too broken.”
But the Warrior Coin makes it easier. It gives you something to show. Something to share. Something that says, “I’m working on it. Want to walk this with me?”
I’ve used it in coffee shops, Zoom meetings, even at the DMV. (Yes, really.) It’s a bridge to connection—and that’s where strength multiplies.
Andy’s Warrior Progress
As Andy finished his story, I couldn’t help but feel proud—and a little inspired.
“You’ve come a long way,” I said. “Still anxious,” he replied, “but definitely more in control.”
I reached into my bag and handed him a second Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin. “One for work. One for every day.”
Andy’s eyes went wide. “Double the coins. Double the grounding. This is amazing!”
Wrap Up
If you’re struggling—if anxiety keeps showing up at the worst times, whispering worst-case scenarios, keeping you stuck—it’s time to fight back.
Not with force. With focus. With a warrior tool in your hand and a plan in your heart.
Grab your Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin. Carry it with you. Use it in those anxious moments to ground yourself, refocus, and remember you’re not powerless.
For Warriors don’t wait for anxiety to leave. They take charge and triumph over it. Because they’re in control—NOT their challenges!
Bruce Schutter
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