I’m Grateful for My Mental Health Challenges: 3 Warrior Lessons from a Chat with John Wick

Yesterday was shaping up to be ordinary. I was at the gas station, filling up before errands, when I heard the unmistakable roar of an engine beside me.

Out steps none other than John Wick. Apparently, even legendary assassins need gas.

We exchanged the classic gas-station nod. Then he walked over and asked, calm as ever, “Bruce, how’s the Warrior Program going?”

John knows my story. For 20 years I battled Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD — struggles that left me feeling powerless enough to try to end my life.

But in that darkness, I discovered something life-changing: mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge.

With that knowledge, I create the Mental Health Warrior Program — a bold SELF-HELP approach that puts YOU in charge!

John tilted his head slightly. “So,” he said, “what warrior wisdom do you have for me today?”

I met his gaze.

"I'm grateful for my mental health challenges."

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The Warrior Mindset Shift

You should’ve seen his face — he looked like I had just told him I was quitting writing to pursue competitive basket weaving.

For a moment, he was stunned.

But in true John Wick fashion, the surprise faded quickly. He crossed his arms, leaned against his car and asked calmly, “Why?”

I told him something that took me years to understand.

An essential part of becoming a Warrior is building a new mindset. That shift is the foundation of the blueprint I laid out in my book, I Triumphed Over Bipolar, Alcoholism and Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior.

It’s not about pretending the struggle didn’t happen — It’s about realizing the struggle shaped you.

Without Bipolar pushing me to understand my moods, without PTSD forcing me to confront fear, without rock bottom demanding change — I would never have built the life I live today.

I would never have become a Warrior.

That shift in perspective unlocked three lessons that anyone can use to strengthen their own Warrior journey.

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Lesson 1: From Powerless to Powerful

“When my mental health challenges controlled me,” I began, “I lived in survival mode. Bipolar. Anxiety. PTSD. I felt at their mercy.”

“But here’s what changed everything: I stopped trying to eliminate my emotions — and started leading them.”

That shift gave me something I never had before: control in the middle of chaos.

Now, when Bipolar tries to spin my emotions into a whirlwind, I ground myself. I use my Warrior tools. I slow the spiral.

And I remind myself: I am not powerless. I choose my response.

That decision — repeated daily — didn’t just build strength. It built gratitude.

Because without those battles, I never would’ve discovered how capable I really am.

John’s Takeaway:

John’s eyes narrowed slightly. He understood.

“When I lost everything,” he said quietly, “there were moments I felt completely powerless. Like the darkness had already won.”

He paused. “But I chose to fight back.”

He looked at me steadily. “That’s the difference. Not what happens to you — but whether you decide to stand up.”

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Lesson 2: Overcome Fear & Be Proud

“Anxiety used to run my decisions,” I told him. “It told me I couldn’t handle things. That I should stay small. That playing safe was safer.”

I shook my head. “But I learned something powerful: fear only grows when we shrink.”

So now, I do the opposite. I show up anyway!

I speak even when my voice shakes.

I act even when doubt whispers.

And I take pride in every step forward — especially the small ones.

Because here’s the benefit: When you celebrate forward movement, fear loses authority.

Even mistakes become proof you’re still in the fight.

John’s Takeaway:

John gave a slow nod.

“Fear doesn’t disappear,” he said. “You just decide it doesn’t get to drive.”

He leaned back against the car.

“Every step forward is a win. Big or small. Even the missteps? They mean you’re still moving.”

Then he added quietly, “You don’t conquer fear by waiting. You conquer it by taking action.”

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Lesson 3: Fully Living Life—Thanks, Emotions!

“I used to drink to escape my emotions,” I told him. “I thought numbing the pain would make life easier.”

It didn’t. It made life smaller.

For 18 years now, I’ve been sober. And here’s what changed everything: I stopped trying to outrun my emotions and started learning from them.

I feel the highs. I sit with the lows. I respond instead of numb.

And here’s the benefit: when you stop escaping your emotions, you get your full life back.

And strangely enough, that’s what made me grateful. Because without the struggle, I might never have learned how powerful fully living feels. 

John’s Takeaway:

John was quiet for a moment.

“There was a time I buried what I felt,” he admitted. “I thought shutting it down made me stronger.”

He shook his head slightly. “It didn’t. It just made me empty.”

He looked up. “You don’t start living when the pain disappears. You start living when you stop running from it.”

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Wrap Up

As we finished pumping gas, John Wick turned to me with that steady gaze.

“Spread the word,” he said. “People need to know they can turn their battles into strength.”

I smiled. “They can. I am.”

Before we parted ways, I handed him a copy of I Triumphed Over Bipolar, Alcoholism and Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior.

“This is the blueprint,” I said. “Not just to survive — but to lead your life.”

Then we drove off in opposite directions — two very different warriors, forged by different fires, living the same truth: The struggle didn’t break us. It built us.

And if you’re in the middle of your fight right now, hear this...

One day, you will look back and realize the very thing you resented was the thing that strengthened you.

Today, embrace your challenges — and take your first step to TRIUMPH.

Bruce Schutter

Every day is a chance to choose strength — because YOU'RE IN CHARGE!