Start Here: Marvin’s Ultimate Guide to the Mental Health Warrior Program
- Bruce Schutter
- Jun 12
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 13
It was a quiet Tuesday afternoon. Birds chirping. Diet soda in hand. Sanity semi-intact.
Ding-dong.
I opened the door and there he was.
Marvin the "Mental Health Warrior" Cat. Wearing his tiny warrior helmet, a satchel over one shoulder, and that usual expression of judgment-meets-compassion.
"We need to talk," he said, brushing past me like he owned the place. "I’ve got a new project. And naturally, I’m the only one qualified to lead it."
I closed the door and sighed. "Of course you are."
Marvin’s New Mission
Marvin hopped up onto the couch like he was about to run a board meeting.
"Look, Bruce. We both know mental health is a battlefield. And the key to triumph is your Mental Health Warrior Program. But even though it’s a SELF-HELP approach—people may still struggle to get started."
I nodded. "Agreed."
"Since some people don’t know where to start," Marvin said, pacing like a general about to deliver marching orders. "I’ve taken it upon myself to provide clear direction for each of your 11 books."
He paused dramatically, tail twitching like a PowerPoint was about to appear. "I’m calling it... The Official Marvin the Cat Warrior Reading Guide."
How Marvin Got Here
Marvin and I share similar struggles—Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and Bipolar. When he heard my story of battling Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD for over 20 years, he said, "Finally. A human who gets it."
I told him how those challenges left me feeling so powerless, I hit rock bottom and tried to end my life. But in that dark time I realized something life-changing: mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge.
From my journey, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program—a bold new SELF-HELP approach—designed to help everyone take charge of their emotions, overcome challenges and build the life they really want.
Marvin was hooked—and naturally, he appointed himself a Mental Health Warrior Ambassador. (Of course.)
Starting Point: Marvin's Warrior Reading Guide
"Let’s go over the Warrior’s first step," Marvin said, hopping onto the arm of the chair like he was about to assign homework.
"Start with one—or both—of these two books. Why? Because they’ll help you build a solid foundation for this new way of living."
"This is the core story," Marvin explained. "It’s Bruce’s journey—from the brink to battle-ready. You’ll learn the 4 Core Components of a Warrior and get tools to start your own fight.
It’s real. It’s motivational. And if you want to understand what it truly means to be a Mental Health Warrior—this is a great starting point. Marvin approved."
OR
"This one’s a personal favorite," Marvin smirked.
"If you’re stuck at the starting line, this book will slap the excuses right out of your brain. Hilarious, brutally honest, and packed with 48 “laughter” tools to help you break through to action.”
Think of it as mental health “kick in the b#tt” with a side of sass."
Power-Up Books: Marvin’s Warrior Reading List
"Less stuff, more experiences. That’s the new approach," Marvin said, flicking his tail with purpose.
"This book is all about simplifying life so you actually have room for what matters—joy, connection… and maybe naps in sunbeams."
Bonus:
This approach doesn’t just lighten your load—it helps reduce anxiety, free up time, and boost everyday happiness.
"Three simple rules to eat like a Warrior and boost your mental health," Marvin said, eyeing the snack on the counter with mild judgment.
Low carbs. No sugar. Minimally processed. Just warrior-grade fuel for your emotions—and a straightforward path you can actually follow every day.
Bonus:
This book arms you for the food battlefield. You’ll learn how to read nutrition labels, spot the sneaky stuff, and develop the food skills every Mental Health Warrior needs to eat with purpose and power.
"Food affects your mood—period," Marvin said, batting a snack off the table. This book breaks it down: real foods, and the real mental health benefits behind each one.
You’ll learn how to make smarter choices and boost your emotional strength with every bite—no celery shame required.
Bonus:
Each food is linked to the 3 Food Rules (Low Carb, No Sugar, Minimally Processed), and you’ll get practical, delicious tips on how to work them into your daily meals—without needing a nutrition degree.
"My daily mental floss," Marvin said proudly. "These mindset rules help you stay emotionally centered—even when life feels like a full-speed rollercoaster with no seatbelt."
Read one a day. Or twelve, if you’re mid-spiral and need to right the ship fast.
Bonus:
In moments of crisis, just flip to any page. Warrior wisdom will always guide you back.
"Mindfulness without the mysticism," Marvin said, balancing on one paw like a self-help guru on a deadline.
This book teaches you how to use “Mindfulness of Today” to stay present—even when your present feels like a dumpster fire.
Because this is the moment where you can take action. And that action? It helps you move past the past and stop fearing the future.
Bonus:
When you apply mindfulness to life’s daily adventures—big or small—you’ll discover a whole new level of happiness, peace… and maybe even joy in folding laundry. (Maybe.)
"This one goes deeper," Marvin said, his voice unusually soft. Poems. Reflections. Truth bombs.
If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, invisible, or broken, this book whispers: "You’re not alone. Your story matters. And there is strength in your truth."
Bonus: This kind of introspective thinking builds Warrior strength—because insider knowledge isn’t just power… It’s armor.
"This is how you fill your Warrior toolbelt," Marvin said, tapping his imaginary utility belt. Anxiety attack? There’s a tool. Emotional spiral? Tool. Existential dread at 2 a.m.? Oh yeah—there’s a tool for that, too.
Because having the right tools isn’t just helpful—it gives you the confidence to face whatever comes next.
Bonus:
As your toolbelt fills, so will your belief in yourself. Just remember: Stay true to the Warrior path you’ve chosen. That’s where your power lives.
"Twenty truths. Five action steps each," Marvin said, flicking open the book like it was a battle plan. That’s 100 ways to punch your problems in the face—gently, with compassion.
You’ll also discover just how deeply mental health shapes every part of life—guiding you to embrace the full spectrum of emotions, understand the mind-body connection, and tap into the power of open, honest conversations.
Bonus:
As you apply the lessons from each truth, you’ll uncover new strength, deeper self-awareness, and bold new ways to move forward—Warrior style.
"Don’t just think your feelings—write them," Marvin said, handing over a pen like it was a sword.
This journal is your emotional training ground—a space to get comfortable with the full spectrum of emotions and figure out what actually helps you manage them.
Bonus:
No one can interrupt you mid-sentence. This is your space—your pace, your voice, your healing.
Bonus: The Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin
"And don’t forget this!" Marvin held up the Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin. "Heavy. Powerful. Pocket-sized resilience.
Use it as a grounding tool when life gets wobbly—or when you just need a reminder that you’re a Warrior."
He dropped it on my table with a satisfying clink. Yeah, it’s heavy—and that weight? It gives you something to hold onto, even in the middle of your toughest business meeting. (Discreetly, of course.)
Bonus:
You will find the Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin so powerful, you’ll want to share it with others. Just make sure to keep one for yourself—you’ve earned it.
Marvin’s Final Word (Naturally)
"The first step is always the hardest," Marvin said, hopping down from the couch. "But that’s why I’m here—to lovingly kick your butt into motion."
"This program works. I’ve seen it. I live it. You can too. The moment you take that first Warrior step, everything changes. You go from surviving… to THRIVING!
I raised an eyebrow. "Anything else, Marvin?"
He nodded solemnly. "Just this: Start with a book. Any book. Then keep going. Because once you begin this journey… you won’t want to stop!"
And with that, he was gone. But he was right—real change starts here. A bold new life is waiting. Take one Warrior step TODAY—and start moving forward!
Bruce Schutter
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