Rich, Poor, Tall, Short — Mental Health Challenges Don’t Care: But Warriors (and Minions) Triumph
- Bruce Schutter
- Aug 1
- 6 min read
It was a breezy afternoon downtown when I spotted a familiar sight: a group of short, yellow figures buzzing around the fountain. The Minions — my little Mental Health Warrior buddies — were waving frantically. These guys are the definition of energy: equal parts chaos and charm. But today, they looked especially fired up.
“Bruce!” one of them squeaked, dashing over. “We’ve been waiting for you! We keep running into so many people struggling with mental health challenges!”
And here’s the truth: Mental health challenges don’t discriminate. They show up for everyone — rich or poor, tall or short… even small and yellow.
But as Mental Health Warriors, we know one thing for sure: No challenge is stronger than our will to rise!
The Minions nodded in unison, their goggles gleaming with determination. “Life is full of obstacles,” one shouted. “But we know the answer — BECOME Mental Health Warriors!”
My Story — My Struggles
I grinned. The Minions and I had bonded over being warriors. They knew that for over 20 years, I struggled with Bipolar Disorder, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorder, and PTSD. Those battles left me feeling so powerless that I tried to end my life. But in those dark moments, 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, triumph over challenges and build the life you really want!
One Minion tilted his head and raised a tiny hand. “So, Boss… where do we start?”
I smiled. “Glad you asked. The full blueprint — along with my story — is in my book I Triumphed Over Bipolar, Alcoholism, and Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior.
But I know you're ready to get started right now — so let me share three warrior-strength-building tips that will kick off your journey today!”
Tip 1: Prioritize Your Mental Health Every Day
“First and foremost,” I began, “never skip your mental health check-in. I know you’re busy with gadgets, experiments, and… whatever else you Minions get into. But even on the busiest days, set aside 15–30 minutes just for you.”
I could see their little goggles blinking with curiosity.
“This time is sacred. Use it to process your emotions, regroup, and form a plan using your Mental Health Warrior tools. Even if you don’t act on it right away, just having a plan is powerful—it shifts you from feeling stuck to feeling in charge.”
They leaned in. I leaned in too.
“You see, mental health isn't just something we 'deal with' when we're falling apart. It’s something we strengthen before things break down. Like charging your brain battery. Or adding emotional armor before heading into battle.”
Minion’s Takeaway:
One Minion’s hand shot up. “So, like… if we set time aside every day before things explode, we won’t have to run around screaming when stuff goes wrong?”
“Exactly!” I said, nodding. “When you prioritize your mental health daily — whether it’s checking in with your emotions, deep breathing, or making a simple plan — you build strength before the chaos hits. You go from freaking out to figuring it out!”
They stared at me for a second.
“Even if everything’s still exploding?” one whispered.
“Especially when everything’s still exploding.”
They exchanged looks, then nodded in unison, goggles gleaming with determination.
“WE CAN DO THAT!” they cheered, high-fiving each other and immediately writing “Daily Brain Recharge Time” and “Emergency Reset Practice” on their giant to-do board.
Tip 2: Don’t Get Caught in the Frenzy — Find Your Oasis
I leaned in, lowering my voice for dramatic effect. “Here’s the second tip: Don’t let the chaos of the world pull you under.”
The Minions paused, mid-babble about banana futures and lab explosions.
I continued, “The news, social media, future worries—they can sweep you away like a tidal wave. You get so overwhelmed before the day even starts, and suddenly, you’re running on stress fumes instead of strength.”
They nodded solemnly. One even dropped his smoothie.
“That’s why Warriors need an oasis,” I said. “A reset space. A moment to breathe and regroup. Something small — but positive — that pulls you back to now.”
I could see the confusion beginning to swirl, so I clarified.
“Take one positive action. Just one. Something that supports your mental health. Maybe that’s eating a nourishing meal. Taking a short walk. Playing a video game that makes you laugh instead of doomscrolling yourself into a panic spiral.”
They started scribbling furiously.
“Why does it work?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “Because when you ground yourself in the present — even for a few minutes — you reclaim control. You go from reacting to responding. You stop spinning and start choosing. That’s how you stay steady in the storm.”
Minion’s Takeaway:
A Minion with a clipboard and extra-serious goggles looked up. “So… if the banana market crashes, we don’t have to panic. We could eat a nice salad… or play ping-pong to feel better?”
I grinned. “Exactly! A single positive action — whether it’s food, movement, or just taking a breath — gives your brain a reset. Instead of drowning in stress, you come back stronger, steadier, and ready to move forward.”
The Minions perked up, brainstorming instantly.
“We could build a mini-golf course in the lab!” one shouted.
“Or try yoga!” another chimed in, attempting an immediate and very wobbly tree pose.
“We should schedule banana meditation!” yelled a third.
I laughed. “Perfect. Find your oasis. Then defend it—Warrior style.”
Tip 3: Use a New Warrior Tool Every Day
“Finally,” I said, gathering the Minions around the whiteboard covered in banana-scented scribbles, “commit to using one Mental Health Warrior tool every day.”
A few goggles tilted with curiosity.
“It doesn’t have to be fancy. Maybe it’s from a blog article, a video, or a book on the Mental Health Warrior website. Just pick one and put it into action.”
They leaned in. “Why? Because the goal isn’t to master everything overnight. It’s to build momentum. One tool at a time.”
I grabbed a marker and drew a stick figure Minion holding a hammer. “If you use one tool per day, by the end of the week, you’ve built a toolbelt. And when life throws a curveball — or, in your case, an exploding invention — you’re not scrambling. You’ve got options. You’re ready.”
I paused for effect. “That’s how you stop reacting in panic… and start responding with power.”
Minions' Takeaway:
A Minion with oversized goggles raised his hand. “So, if our latest invention explodes in our faces, instead of panicking, we could grab a warrior tool to help us stay motivated?”
“Exactly!” I said. “Maybe it’s journaling about what went wrong. Maybe it’s deep breathing to shake off frustration. Maybe it’s blasting music and dancing like no one’s watching — even if everyone is.”
The key is to practice using these tools every day — before the crisis hits. So when the meltdown comes (and it will), your tools are already second nature.
The Minions erupted in excited chatter, bouncing with ideas.
“We could make a checklist of tools to try!” one shouted.
“Or have a ‘Tool of the Day’ challenge in the lab!” another added, high-fiving a banana.
I laughed. “Now you’re thinking like warriors!”
Parting Wisdom
As we wrapped up our conversation, the Minions stood a little taller (or as tall as Minions can), their eyes gleaming with newfound determination.
“We’re going to try these tips—challenges don’t stand a chance!” one declared, pumping a tiny fist in the air.
“That’s the spirit,” I said, giving them a thumbs-up. “Life will throw curveballs, but as Mental Health Warriors, we’re always building strength and filling our toolbelt — so we’re ready for whatever comes next!”
Then I reached into my bag and pulled out a stack of books.
“This is for you,” I said, handing them a copy of I Triumphed Over Bipolar, Alcoholism, and Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior. “It’s packed with the full blueprint, deeper tools, and my own journey — so you can study, grow, and stay strong on the warrior path.”
One Minion grinned and shouted, “Like the Coast Guard motto — ‘Semper Paratus!’ Always ready!”
I laughed and clapped his shoulder. “Exactly. Now go tackle the day, warriors.”
Wrap Up
As the Minions dashed off on their next adventure (with a yoga mat, a sandwich, and possibly a flamethrower), I couldn’t help but think: Mental Health challenges don’t discriminate.
Rich or poor, tall or short, human or Minion — everyone faces struggles.
But as Mental Health Warriors, we don’t just endure life’s challenges — we rise to meet them. Armed with the Warrior mindset and the tools in our Warrior toolbelt, we have the strength to navigate whatever comes our way.
So the next time life feels overwhelming, channel your inner Minion strength — (oops, I mean Warrior strength) — take action, keep moving forward, and show the world just how unstoppable you are!
Bruce Schutter
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