Overwhelmed by Current Events: Join John Wick and Use 3 Mental Health Warrior Actions to Triumph
- Bruce Schutter
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
So there we were — John Wick and I — nursing our diet sodas in a downtown diner, both weighed down by the stress of current events.
Who would’ve thought? Me, a Mental Health Warrior, and John, the ultimate action hero — not confounded by high-stakes chases or epic showdowns, but by the relentless barrage of bad news.
“Bruce,” John said, his voice low and steady, “how do you handle it?” He sipped his diet soda, eyes distant, almost haunted. “I can face bullets and blood. But I’m overwhelmed by this constant stream of stress from current events!”
The Warrior Path Forward
Now, John’s a fellow Warrior. He knows my story — how I spent 20 years battling Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD. The weight of it all left me feeling powerless and at my lowest, I tried to end my life. But through 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 control of your emotions, overcome challenges and build the life you really want!
“Well,” I said, “the blueprint for being a Warrior is laid out in my book I Triumphed Over Bipolar, Alcoholism and Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior. And it has enough power for both of us to get through the madness — by taking a few simple, but powerful actions.”
John gave a small nod, ready for action — even if this mission didn’t involve expertly-handled firearms.
And with that, we mapped out three Mental Health Warrior actions anyone can use to stay grounded, resilient and ready to triumph over the stress of current events.
Action 1: Take Care of You
“Step one,” I said, “is taking care of yourself. When you’re angry or overwhelmed, that’s the moment challenges start circling like vultures. Don’t give them the advantage. The strongest thing we can do each day is take time to check in and process our emotions.
That’s how we stay in the game — because when we’re in control, we can handle whatever the news or life throws at us.”
John looked thoughtful, probably imagining this in a warehouse filled with bad guys and explosions. “So you’re saying, before I leap into action, I’ve got to make sure I’m not just reacting on autopilot?”
“Exactly,” I said, nodding. “Respond Not React — It’s Mental Health Warrior 101.”
John’s Takeaway:
John considered that. “Okay. Let’s say I’m chasing a guy who double-crossed me — again. And suddenly, I feel like I’m about to snap. Maybe instead of kicking down a door, I take a second to breathe, check in and reset. That way, I stay sharp — and in control.”
I grinned. “That’s it. In that moment, you’re not just surviving — you’re leading with strength.”
Action 2: Lean on Your Tribe
“Next up,” I said, “is leaning on your tribe. When life feels like a nonstop barrage — bad news, stress, uncertainty — it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have to handle it all alone. But here’s the truth: we’re all seeing the same chaos, and we all need connection to stay grounded.
Isolation is a breeding ground for stress. The longer we bottle things up, the heavier they feel. But when we share that weight — even just by saying, ‘This is tough’ — it cuts stress down to size.
Having people you can be honest with is one of the strongest tools you can use. Warriors don’t win battles alone — and neither do we.”
John’s Takeaway:
John’s stoic look softened a bit. He nodded slowly. “Even I don’t go it alone. When things go sideways, I’ve got a few people — Winston, the Bowery King. I might be the one facing the heat, but knowing they’ve got my back? That’s what keeps me going. We don’t always talk feelings… but we don’t have to. Their presence means everything.”
“Exactly,” I said. “Support doesn’t always mean rehashing every detail — it means having someone who reminds you you’re not alone in this fight.
Mental Health Warriors need that kind of connection to stay clear-headed, motivated and emotionally steady.”
Action 3: Control the Controllables
“Alright, last but not least,” I said, “we’ve got to focus on what’s actually within our control. When the world feels like it’s spiraling, that’s when Mental Health Warriors double down on what they can influence: your next meal, who you spend time with, your morning routine, a quick workout — small actions that add up to major strength.”
John smirked, probably thinking back to some impossible mission where controlling the chaos was the only path forward. “I get that,” he said. “When I’m outnumbered and outgunned, I don’t focus on what I can’t do — I zero in on what I can. What you’re saying is… apply that to everyday life.”
“Right!” I said. “If we put our energy into what we can directly influence, we get a sense of purpose and every action feels like progress. This way, even with all the noise around us, we’re building something real.”
John’s Takeaway:
John nodded, slowly and thoughtfully. “So, when I’m feeling overloaded? I make a plan. Could be training, gathering intel, checking in with allies — whatever it is, it’s mine to own. I can’t stop what’s happening out there... but I can take the next right action. That’s how I stay in the fight.
“It’s discipline. Focus. You block out the noise and stick to what matters. Even if the world’s burning, I can still sharpen my blade, protect my circle, and move forward one step at a time. That’s control. That’s survival. And in the end, it’s how you win.”
Wrap Up
By now, we’d both finished our diet sodas, and John was looking more resolute. “You know, Bruce,” he said, “I’m glad we had this talk. The Mental Health Warrior Program — it’s something else. It’s not just practical... it’s empowering.”
I reached into my bag and slid a copy of I Triumphed Over Bipolar, Alcoholism and Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior across the table. “Here. Pass this along to Winston, the Bowery King — whoever in your circle needs it. Even heroes need tools.”
John smirked, tucking the book under his arm. “They’ll read it. And we’ll all be stronger for it.”
Because at the heart of the Mental Health Warrior Program is this truth: when we take charge of our emotions and stay grounded in action, we become stronger — day by day, moment by moment.
In a world spinning with uncertainty, that kind of mindset isn’t just helpful… it’s unstoppable!
Bruce Schutter
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