It’s Go Time, Mental Health Warriors: Marvin & Doug’s Guide to Taking Your First Step
- Bruce Schutter
- Jan 19
- 4 min read
There’s nothing quite like having your front door kicked in —metaphorically speaking — by a cat with a clipboard and a dog wearing emotional support slippers.
“Bruce!” Marvin the “Mental Health Warrior” Cat barked — yes, barked — bursting through my door like he owned the place. “We’ve got a plan. A new mission. And Doug’s off the couch, so you know it’s serious.”
Doug the “Depressed” Dog ambled in behind him, tail wagging slowly, eyes still soulful but with a spark of purpose. “We’re going on a resource raid,” he said. “You know — resources, resources, resources!”
I blinked. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“We want everyone to know about the Mental Health Warrior Program,” Marvin declared, hopping onto my kitchen counter like he paid rent. “It’s time.
People need real tools. The kind that help you take that terrifying first step.”
“And warrior snacks,” Doug added. “For emotional support and fuel.”
The Warrior Solution
They were right, of course. The Mental Health Warrior Program didn’t just fall from the sky—it was built from the ground up, forged in the fire of real struggle.
For over 20 years, I battled Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD. This left me feeling so powerless that I tried to end my life. But in that dark time, I found something life-changing: mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge.
With that knowledge, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program — bold new SELF-HELP approach that puts YOU in charge. Not your past. Not your pain. YOU.
And now, Marvin and Doug have taken up the cause of helping people start their warrior journey!
“We’ve seen too many people stuck at the starting line,” Marvin said, crossing his paws like a tiny therapist. “They need options. Entry points. Ladders out of the mental mud.”
So, together, we broke down the full buffet of resources offered in the Mental Health Warrior Program — designed to help anyone take that first step forward.
MENTAL HEALTH WARRIOR PROGRAM RESOURCES
1. Daily Blog (With Familiar Faces)
“I live for the blog,” Marvin said. “Where else can you find mental health lessons from Winnie the Pooh, John Wick and me — Marvin the "Mental Health Warrior" Cat?”
Each BLOG is a story-driven way to make mental health less scary — and a lot more doable.
Whether it’s Percy the PTSD Platypus, Doug’s down days, or Andy the Anxious Aardvark, we bring humor, heart and action steps to help you shift your mindset.
Doug added, “And sometimes I cry when I read them. But, like, the good kind of crying.”
2. Daily Social Media Posts
“Consistency is key,” Marvin explained. “We post every day on all major platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky and Twitter) so people can stay motivated, informed and reminded that mental health is a daily thing — not a once-a-month spa day.”
Doug scrolled Instagram mid-conversation. “I follow us. It’s the only feed that doesn’t stress me out.”
3. Books That Go Deep (and are Filled with Tools)
There’s a full series of Mental Health Warrior books covering everything from my personal story to mindset rules, emotional tools and even eating (yes, Food Therapy is real — and bacon may be involved).
Doug perked up. “The one about Euphoria of Today? That changed my mornings. I actually get out of bed now. Most days.”
4. Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin
“This one’s tactile,” Marvin said, holding the coin up to the light like it was Excalibur. “When I feel off-balance, I grip the coin. It grounds me. Reminds me I’m not the emotion — I’m the one handling the emotion.”
Doug nodded with a grin. “I use my Warrior Coin after every small victory during the day. Took a deep breath instead of snapping? Coin moment.
Talked about my feelings? Definitely a coin moment.
It’s my daily mental health tool that comes with me everywhere — that keeps me in charge!”
5. Podcast on YouTube
“The podcast is where Bruce talks like a human,” Marvin whispered, like it was a rare event.
“Real talk. Real tools. And if you’re more of a watcher than a listener — you can see Bruce too.”
Doug barked in agreement. “It’s like mental health support in sweatpants.”
6. Interviews (on Other Podcasts)
“Bruce has been everywhere,” Marvin boasted. “Interviews on mental health, trauma, recovery — you name it. And they’re all online for people who want inspiration from different angles.”
Doug wagged his tail. “Hearing someone else’s story makes you believe you can change your life too — even if it feels impossible right now.”
7. The Website (AKA Warrior HQ)
“This is the mothership,” Marvin said. “The central hub for the Mental Health Warrior Program. The place to read, listen, explore and know you’re not alone.”
Doug flopped onto the couch. “It’s where I go when I need motivation but can’t talk to anyone. Just reading a story from Bruce helps.”
Wrap Up — Resources
The truth is, there’s no one way to start. But when you have the right tools, the right variety, the first step becomes a lot less scary.
That’s what the Mental Health Warrior Program is all about — offering multiple on-ramps to healing. Whether it’s a book, a blog, a coin, or a cat with a clipboard, you’ll find what speaks to you and helps you move forward.
So if you’re struggling — don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Take one small action TODAY.
Pick up a coin. Read a blog. Watch a video. Hug your dog. High-five your cat.
And like Marvin says: “Mental health isn’t about pretending to be fine. It’s about embracing your emotions and triumphing over challenges — because YOU are in charge!”
Bruce Schutter
Every day is a chance to choose strength — because YOU'RE IN CHARGE!
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