It was a bright, sunny day—the kind of day where the world just feels lighter—until I found myself standing in the grocery store, staring at the price of beef like it had been seasoned with gold flakes and aged in a vault at Fort Knox.
As I debated whether to take out a second mortgage for a pound of ground chuck, I heard a distinctive laugh behind me.
“AHAHAHAHAHA!”
I turned around, and there he was—SpongeBob SquarePants—bright yellow, square, and somehow holding a shopping cart despite having no fingers.
“Bruce!” he exclaimed. “The price of beef is... UNACCEPTABLE! How am I supposed to make the perfect Krabby Patty if beef is more expensive than a new pair of square pants?”
I sighed. “SpongeBob, the price of beef is out of our control. But you know what is in our control?”
SpongeBob’s big blue eyes widened. “The secret formula to our burgers?!”
I chuckled. “Not quite. Our Mental Health—now that’s something we can take charge of as Mental Health Warriors.”
My Journey
SpongeBob and I go way back. He knows my story—20+ years battling Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD. Those struggles made me feel powerless, and at one point, I even tried to end my life.
But with a second chance, I discovered that mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge—whether it’s life’s big battles or, you know, sky-high beef prices!
That’s why, based on my journey, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program—a SELF-HELP approach designed to help anyone take charge of their emotions, triumph over challenges, and build the life they truly want!
SpongeBob nodded enthusiastically. “Ohhh! So it’s like jellyfishing for your mind! You need techniques to keep moving forward, even when life stings.”
“Exactly,” I said. “While we can’t change the price of beef, we can change how we respond to stress and anxiety. Let me and SpongeBob share three Mental Health Warrior strategies you can use—even in Bikini Bottom.”
Action 1: The Power of Morning Rituals
“Every morning,” SpongeBob said, “I wake up and yell ‘I’M READY!’ at the top of my lungs! It gets me pumped for the day—even if Squidward throws a shoe at me for being too loud.”
I laughed. “And that helps?”
“Of course!” SpongeBob grinned. “Starting my day with energy and excitement helps me face anything—even if it’s a Krusty Krab rush hour or overpriced beef!”
Our Takeaway:
For me, journaling does the trick. It helps me dump my thoughts onto paper, creating clarity instead of chaos.
Mental Health Warrior Tip:
Whether it’s journaling, meditation, or yelling ‘I’M READY!’ at sunrise, starting the day with purpose keeps stress in check—no matter what life throws at you.
Action 2: Gratitude as a Superpower
“I practice gratitude every day!” SpongeBob said proudly. “Like, today I’m grateful for jellyfish, bubbles, and the fact that Mr. Krabs hasn’t made us pay to use the kitchen yet!”
I raised an eyebrow. “Gratitude? From you?”
SpongeBob nodded. “I learned that if you focus on what you have instead of what you don’t, you start feeling happier! Even if beef is expensive, I still have jellyfish jelly, seaweed wraps, and friendship!”
Our Takeaway:
Gratitude has been a game-changer for me too. When I focus on progress—staying sober, managing my bipolar disorder, and helping others—it’s hard to stay caught up in the little annoyances of life.
Mental Health Warrior Tip:
When stress creeps in, ask yourself: What’s one thing I can be grateful for today? Even if it’s just the fact that you didn’t burn your toast this morning, gratitude shifts your focus toward the positive.
Action 3: Physical Action as Mental Health Fuel
“When I get stressed, I move! Whether it’s flipping Krabby Patties at hypersonic speed, karate-chopping with Sandy, or dancing to Squidward’s clarinet—movement keeps me from spiraling into a krabby mood!”
I smirked. “You? Dancing to Squidward’s clarinet?”
SpongeBob shrugged. “I mean... someone has to appreciate his ‘music.’”
Our Takeaway:
Physical activity has been one of my most reliable tools. When I feel overwhelmed, I grab my sandbag and work out, or I go for a long walk. It’s not just about staying fit—it’s about channeling emotional energy into something productive.
Mental Health Warrior Tip:
Feeling anxious or stuck? Move your body!
🏃♂️ Go for a walk
🏋️ Lift something heavy
🎶 Dance like nobody’s watching (or like Squidward is playing clarinet)
Movement resets your mind and reminds you that you’re in control of your actions, even if you can’t control everything else.
Warrior Wisdom Takeaway
“Well, SpongeBob,” I said, “I think we’ve figured it out. We can’t control the price of beef, but we can build strong mental health. That’s what makes us warriors.”
SpongeBob’s face lit up like a neon sign at the Krusty Krab. “YES! A MENTAL HEALTH WARRIOR!
I smiled. “Exactly. The world throws chaos at us, but we get to decide how we respond. That’s real power!”
The Wrap Up
As SpongeBob skipped off (probably to tell Patrick about his newfound Mental Health Warrior status), I stood there for a moment, reflecting.
Life will always throw challenges our way. Maybe it’s a mental health battle. Maybe it’s the price of beef skyrocketing.
But what sets us apart as Mental Health Warriors is our ability to face those challenges head-on—with resilience, strength, and warrior tools.
So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember this. The Mental Health Warrior Program was created to help YOU take charge of your emotions, build mental resilience, and triumph over any challenge life throws your way—whether it's anxiety, burnout, or yes, even grocery prices!
Bruce Schutter
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