Hey there, champ! Today, we’re going to take a hilariously honest dive into how you (yes, you!) can channel your inner Rocky Balboa. No, we’re not talking about jumping into a boxing ring and duking it out with Apollo Creed. We’re talking about the fight against our everyday opponents: Bipolar Disorder, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD. Buckle up, because this is going to be a wild, funny ride.
Round 1: Entering the Mental Health Arena
Picture this: Instead of the roar of the crowd and the blinding lights of the boxing ring, you’ve got the soothing hum of your living room and the comforting glow of your TV. The first step to becoming a Mental Health Warrior? Say "mental health" out loud. I know, right? Seems like a cinch compared to facing down a heavyweight champ. But trust me, this is the moment where you start to hear your own theme music playing.
You’ve got to say it with gusto: "Mental Health!" Just like that. And guess what? The world doesn’t end. No confetti drops from the ceiling, and there’s no immediate cure for all your problems. But you’ve taken the first punch at those invisible opponents, and that’s worth celebrating.
Round 2: The Training Montage
Remember Rocky’s iconic training montages? Now, imagine that, but instead of running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, you’re maneuvering through the aisles of your local grocery store, trying to find gluten-free snacks without having a meltdown. It’s all about the small victories, folks.
Here’s how you start training like a Mental Health Warrior:
Step 1: Say "Mental Health" Out Loud
You’ve already done it once, so keep the momentum going. Every time you do, it gets a little less scary. It’s like the mental health equivalent of punching a side of beef. And yes, it’s weird at first. People might look at you funny if you say it in public, but hey, Rocky didn’t care about looking cool when he was chasing chickens, did he?
Step 2: Acknowledge Your Emotions
Next, take a cue from Rocky and start paying attention to your feelings. Imagine your emotions are those meat slabs Rocky used to punch. Every jab is you acknowledging what you feel. Angry? Punch. Sad? Punch. Anxious? Double punch. Keep track of these punches, er, emotions. Maybe you’ll notice that you’re more of a heavyweight contender than you thought. Understanding your emotions is like learning Rocky’s signature moves—it’s all about strategy!
Step 3: Realize You Can Triumph
Now, here’s where it gets fun. Rocky got knocked down more times than anyone could count, but he always got back up. Your bipolar disorder might send you reeling, your PTSD might floor you, but you’re a contender. You’ve got the eye of the tiger (cue music). Every time you get up, you’re telling those mental health challenges, "You hit like a piece of broccoli!"
Round 3: The Comeback
Let’s face it, Rocky didn’t win every fight. Remember when he lost to Apollo Creed? It was a bummer, but it didn’t stop him. He came back stronger. This is where your Rocky moment comes in. Maybe you had a rough day and lost your cool. Maybe your anxiety kept you in bed all day. It’s okay. Remember, even Rocky had his down days (and a few too many raw eggs).
The key is you can bounce back. Acknowledge the setback, but don’t let it keep you down for the count. Use your new warrior tools, and get back in the ring. Here’s how:
Set Personal Goals: Instead of training for a title fight, maybe your goal is to go for a walk, call a friend, or just get out of bed before noon. It’s the small victories that count.
Stay Determined: Rocky never gave up, and neither should you. Keep pushing forward, even when it feels like life is throwing a left hook and gets in a good punch. For the battle can be won and that is the mindset that will carry you through.
Build a Support System: Rocky had Mickey, Adrian, and Paulie. Let people into your life and surround yourself with people, including me, who will cheer you on, even when you feel like throwing in the towel!
Round 4: The Big Fight
You’re now ready for the big fight—your daily life. Every day is a new round, and you’re stepping into the ring armed with the power of saying "mental health" out loud and the knowledge of your emotions. You’re not just surviving; you’re fighting back with the determination of Rocky running up those steps.
So, my fellow Mental Health Warriors, it’s time to lace up your gloves. Your opponents might be fierce, but you’ve got the heart of a champion. Just remember, the first step to winning is showing up and saying, "Mental Health" out loud. From there, it’s all about staying in the fight, learning from your setbacks, and celebrating every victory, no matter how small.
Now say it with me: "Mental Health!" And let’s do this together. Because in the end, we’re all in our own version of Rocky, fighting our own battles, and we can all be champions.
Ding Ding! The fight starts now!
Bruce Schutter
(Creator of the Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin)
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