In Case You Need to Hear This — I'm Proud of You: Mental Health Warriors Rise Above Challenges
- Bruce Schutter
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
It was a breezy afternoon in town when I spotted a suspiciously soggy crew loitering by the fountain in the town square. There, slumped across a bench like melted cheese, was none other than SpongeBob SquarePants — and beside him, Patrick, Squidward (moodier than usual), Sandy and even Mr. Krabs, dramatically clutching a receipt.
They looked glum. Cartoon-commercial-break glum.
I approached with a six-pack of diet sodas and a mission. “Rough day?” I asked.
SpongeBob sighed. “We’re doing everything we can — journaling, breathing, using our Warrior Tools — but we’re still struggling.”
I nodded. “Yeah. That’s the part no one talks about. Being a Mental Health Warrior doesn’t mean you never struggle — it means you don’t give up.”
I popped open a soda and held it up. “So, I called this meeting for one reason: in case you need to hear this…
I’m proud of you.”
They blinked. Even Squidward flinched.
The Warrior Path
I said it because I know that moment.
The moment when the excitement of change wears off. When the struggle still feels heavy, even though you’re doing the work. When you start to wonder if you’re moving forward — or just plain exhausted.
They know my story. I spent 20 years battling Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD. I felt so powerless that I tried to end my life. But in that darkness, I discovered something life-changing: mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge.
Armed with that knowledge, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program — a bold new SELF-HELP approach that puts YOU in charge! So you can take charge of your emotions, triumph over challenges, and build the life you really want.
And the Warrior Program? It’s for everyone — yes, even cartoon sea creatures. 🧽🐙
So I told them how glad I was that each of them had a copy of my book, I Triumphed Over Bipolar, Alcoholism, and Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior. It lays out not just my story, but the four core components of being a Warrior, along with tools and real-life examples to help anyone get started on their own journey.
And here’s what I tell anyone brave enough to walk this path:
No matter where you are on your journey — I’m proud of you!
3 Ways the Gang Took It to Heart
SpongeBob: Celebrate Small Wins
“I’ve been journaling,” SpongeBob said, lighting up just a bit. “But I usually think it’s silly unless I solve everything. But now… I think writing anything is a win!”
Then he grinned. “I’m going to decorate my journal. Every entry gets a glitter sticker. That’s how I’ll remember that every step matters.”
Even Squidward begrudgingly admitted, “It’s… not the worst idea.”
Our Turn:
Exactly. When we acknowledge the effort instead of only the outcome, we reinforce progress. Writing just one line, pausing to breathe, or reaching for a Warrior Tool — those all count as wins!
Because your brain starts to associate action with reward instead of perfection. That rewiring builds momentum, confidence and emotional resilience.
For me? I stuck a little post-it on my mirror that simply says: “You showed up. That’s enough.” And some days, that reminder is all it takes to keep going.
Sandy: Shift from Perfection to Progress
Sandy nodded thoughtfully. “I’ve been expecting myself to ace every challenge like I’m back in the science rodeo finals. But today, I heard what you said. Struggling doesn’t mean we’re failing.”
She tapped her helmet with a gloved paw. “I’m going to track my progress differently. Instead of just checking off boxes, I’ll write how I felt. If I stayed kind to myself? That’s success.”
She smiled faintly. “Progress over perfection. Got it.”
Our Turn:
That’s the Warrior Way. You’ll mess up. You’ll snap at someone even though you promised yourself you wouldn’t. You’ll have days where nothing goes right.
But if you’re still trying — still showing up — that’s a win!
Because aiming for progress instead of perfection rewires your expectations. It keeps you moving forward instead of quitting when you stumble. And it builds self-compassion, one of the most powerful traits of all Mental Health Warriors — because it strengthens resilience and helps you recover faster from setbacks.
For me? I stopped measuring my days by how perfect they looked and started asking one question before bed: Did I keep going?
If the answer was yes — that was enough.
Patrick: Don’t Go It Alone
Patrick looked up from licking condensation off his soda can.“I’ve been pretending I’m not struggling so I don’t bring anyone down. But it turns out, hiding it just makes me feel worse.”
He glanced at SpongeBob and added, “Next time I feel wobbly, I’m going to tell him. Even if he’s upside-down doing breathing exercises.”
Even Squidward gave him a slow nod of approval.
Our Turn:
Patrick, in his own way, nailed it. When I told them I was proud of them, he said quietly, “I didn’t feel so alone anymore.”
And that’s what Warriors understand: you don’t have to carry it all by yourself.
Reaching out — even just saying “I’m having a tough day” — doesn’t make you weak. It makes you brave.
Because sharing what you’re going through lightens the load and strengthens the bond. Humans (and starfish, apparently) are wired to need each other. Being seen and supported calms your nervous system, reminds you that you matter and helps you keep going.
For me? I used to bottle everything up, convinced no one wanted to hear it. But when I finally started texting a friend just to say, “Hey, I’m struggling today,” it changed everything.
It didn’t fix everything overnight — but it reminded me that I wasn’t fighting alone.
Wrap Up
Before we said our goodbyes, I handed each of them a copy of my book, I Triumphed Over Bipolar, Alcoholism, and Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior. “Share it,” I told them. “Someone out there needs to know they’re not alone — and you might be the one who helps them find their Warrior strength.”
SpongeBob promised to lend his to Squidward (after adding glitter stickers, of course). Patrick tucked his under his arm like a prized possession. Even Sandy said she’d share hers at the next science club meeting.
So here’s the deal: if no one else has told you today — I’m proud of YOU.
Proud of you for reading this. For even thinking about change. For still standing after everything you’ve been through. Proud of you for your Mental Health Warrior journey — even if you’re still at the starting line. Because starting means you’re no longer hiding. And starting? That’s the bravest thing of all.
Take this moment as your checkpoint, your soda-fueled pep talk, your cartoon-worthy pause in the chaos. Then take your next step. Doesn’t matter how big — just make it yours.
Because you are a Mental Health Warrior. And I’m proud to be in this fight right alongside you. 🛡️⚔️
Bruce Schutter
Every day is a chance to choose strength — because YOU'RE IN CHARGE!
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