Panic into Power: How Andy the “Anxious” Aardvark Uses the Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin
- Bruce Schutter
- 2 minutes ago
- 5 min read
I wasn’t planning to run into Andy the “Anxious” Aardvark that day. I had just left the grocery store with nothing I actually needed (except maybe the backup emergency nut butter) when I heard the rapid-fire patter of footsteps coming up behind me.
“Bruce! Bruce! I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Do you have two minutes? Or five? Maybe seven is too long? I don’t want to take too much of your time. Should I go? No—wait—I should tell you this. Yes. I’m staying.”
It was Andy. Eyes wide. Backpack crooked. Tail slightly twitching.
Yup. Still anxious. Still a Warrior.
Andy may be the most anxious aardvark in the state of Pennsylvania, but make no mistake — he’s also a Mental Health Warrior. He knows my story. He’s lived parts of it himself.
I told him about my 20-year struggle with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD — and how it left me so powerless, I tried to end my life. But in that dark time, 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.
Andy remembered that. And he’s been using one of the program’s tools — the Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin — ever since.
Power of the Warrior Coin
Before Andy could explode from nervous excitement, I held up my hand. “Andy. Deep breath.”
He did. (Okay, it took four tries.)
Then he pulled a shiny object from his pocket. “I’ve been using my Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin, and Bruce — it works. It really works. Want to know how?”
I smiled. “Of course I do.”
See, the coin is a physical part of the Mental Health Warrior Program — a daily reminder of your strength. A tangible tool to help ground you when emotions start to spiral. It’s not magic — it’s mindset.
That small coin in your pocket says: “I’m a Warrior and I’ve got this.”
Andy grinned. “Let me tell you three ways I used the coin this week!” he blurted out, practically vibrating with excitement.
Use 1: Grounding in the Panic
“Okay,” Andy said. “Let’s start with the grocery store — fitting, since you’re already here.”
Apparently, the fluorescent lighting, decision fatigue and ominous background music of grocery stores are Andy’s personal anxiety apocalypse.
“But now,” he explained, “when I feel that chest-tightening, spiraling sense of doom in the cereal aisle, I reach into my pocket and grab the coin. I just hold it. Feel the edges. Focus on something real.
It pulls me out of my head and back into the moment.”
Our Turn:
Anxiety thrives on racing thoughts and endless what-ifs. But physical grounding — like holding the Warrior Coin — interrupts that spiral.
I use mine during tough conversations, while waiting on hold with insurance and anytime my brain tries to schedule an emotional meltdown. It’s one small action that brings me back.
So the next time your mind goes full disaster-movie mode, try this: grab your coin, feel its weight, and remind yourself — your emotions aren’t in control. You are.
Use 2: Respond Not React
Andy’s second example hit close to home.
“Last week,” he said, “I got an email with the subject line ‘Urgent.’ I immediately assumed I was getting fired… or that someone was disappointed in me… or maybe I’d accidentally deleted the entire internet.”
But instead of reacting and firing off a panicked reply, he paused — so he could RESPOND.
“I grabbed the coin,” he said. “Held it. Took a breath. Gave myself five minutes. Then I checked again. Turned out… it was just a reminder to bring muffins to the staff meeting.”
Our Turn:
This is classic Warrior wisdom — and it’s literally one of the Warrior Wisdoms engraved on the back of the coin: Mindset Rule 2 — Respond Not React.
Andy put it into action — powered by the Warrior Coin in his hand.
I’ve done the same thing after getting a text that hit the wrong nerve. That brief pause — holding the coin — gives me the space to choose my next move instead of letting anxiety push the buttons.
So the next time something sets you off, don’t type. Don’t talk. Just hold the coin. Reset.
Because Warriors act with purpose — even when muffins are involved.
Use 3: Build Your Tribe
Andy leaned in for the third one. “This one’s kind of big,” he said. “I started using the coin to help me talk to people.”
He explained that when he’s overwhelmed, he’ll take the coin out during a conversation and show it to someone.
“I just say, ‘Hey, this helps me with anxiety. I’m working on being more open about it.’ And you know what? Most people get it. Some even ask where they can get one.”
Our Turn:
Connection is part of healing. But let’s be honest — talking about mental health can feel awkward, especially when anxiety whispers, “You’re too much,” or “They won’t understand.”
That’s where the Warrior Coin helps. It’s more than metal — it’s a bridge. Something to hold, to show and to share that says, “I’m working on it — want to talk about it with me?”
I’ve done the same — in coffee shops, Zoom meetings, even at the DMV (yes, really). Each time, it opened a conversation, built connection and reminded me: strength multiplies through shared courage.
Wrap Up
As Andy finished his story, I couldn’t help but feel proud — and a little inspired.
“You’ve come a long way,” I said. “Still anxious,” he replied, “but definitely more in control.”
I reached into my bag and handed him a second Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin. “One for work. One for every day.”
Andy’s eyes went wide. “Double the coins. Double the grounding. This is amazing!”
If you’re struggling — if anxiety keeps showing up at the worst times, whispering worst-case scenarios and keeping you stuck — it’s time to fight back.
Grab your Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin. Carry it with you. Use it in those anxious moments to ground yourself, refocus and remind yourself: you’re not powerless.
Because Warriors don’t wait for anxiety to leave — they take charge and triumph over it!
Bruce Schutter
Every day is a chance to choose strength — because YOU'RE IN CHARGE!