Strength to Help Yourself and Others: Rambo and the Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin
- Bruce Schutter
- Dec 28, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 22
Yesterday was one of those crisp downtown mornings when the coffee smelled stronger, and the sidewalks buzzed with activity. As I strolled past shops, lost in my thoughts, I spotted a familiar figure slouched on a bench. It was Rambo.
Yes, the Rambo—muscles, headband, and a look that could scare a storm into submission. Except today, he wasn’t looking his usual tough-as-nails self. His shoulders sagged, and there was a cloud of worry over his rugged features.
Now, Rambo and I go way back. He knows my story—how I spent 20 years battling Bipolar Disorder, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD. Challenges that left me feeling so powerless, I even tried to end my life. But in that dark time, I discovered something life-changing: mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge.
That realization led me to create the Mental Health Warrior Program—a new SELF-HELP approach designed to help anyone take charge of their emotions, triumph over challenges, and build the life they truly want!
Rambo, like me, had faced his own mental health struggles, and over time, we’ve become each other’s sounding boards, sharing warrior tips and strategies to stay strong.
But today was different. He looked troubled. “Rambo,” I said, sitting down beside him, “what’s going on?” He sighed, looking down at his calloused hands. “It’s my friends,” he said in that gravelly voice. “They’re struggling—mentally, emotionally. And I want to help, but sometimes I don’t feel strong enough myself.
The Warrior's Solution
I nodded, understanding the weight of his words. “Rambo,” I said, “I’ve got just the thing. It’s a warrior tool I use every day to remind myself of my strength and to stay grounded when challenges feel overwhelming.”
I reached into my pocket and pulled out my Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin. On one side, it gleamed with the warrior emblem. On the other, it bore the words: “I Am Stronger Than My Challenges.”
“This,” I said, holding it up, “is my daily companion. More than just a coin—it’s a source of strength and a reminder to stay connected to the Mental Health Warrior tribe.”
Rambo leaned in, inspecting the coin like it was a piece of tactical gear. “How does it work?” he asked. I smiled. “Let me give you three ways you can use it—Mental Health Warrior style!”
Example 1: Strength for You and Them
“The first way this coin helps,” I began, “is by reminding me that I have to stay strong for myself—especially if I want to help others. When my challenges try to take over the day—whether it’s anxiety creeping in or a wave of self-doubt—I hold the coin in my hand. Its weight reminds me I’ve faced tough times before… and I’ve triumphed.”
I paused, letting that sink in. “It’s a tangible reminder that I’m stronger than whatever I’m facing. And that strength? It sets the stage for me to be able to support others too.”
Rambo’s Takeaway:
Rambo nodded slowly, rubbing his chin. “I could see that,” he said. “There are days when the memories get heavy, and it feels like they’re winning. But if I had something like this, something I could carry with me, it might help me push through.”
“And not just for you,” I added. “When you’re strong, you’re in a better place to support your friends.” He looked thoughtful. “Yeah,” he said. “I can’t help them if I’m not strong myself.”
Example 2: Reminder to Reach Out
“The second way I use the coin,” I continued, “is by keeping one on my desk. Every time I see it, it serves as a visual cue—a simple, powerful reminder to check in with my friends.”
I leaned forward. “Whether it’s a quick text, a phone call, or just a ‘thinking of you’ message, I make it a point to reach out. And in that moment, I pass along the message that they can triumph too.”
Rambo’s Takeaway:
Rambo’s face lit up. “I like that,” he said. “Sometimes I get so caught up in my own battles that I forget to check in on my squad. But if I saw something like this every day, it’d remind me to connect with them—and let them know they’re not alone.”
“Exactly,” I said. “It’s not just about us; it’s about building a community of warriors who lift each other up.” He smiled faintly. “I could use that. And I know a few people who’d appreciate it too.”
Example 3: Shared Strength
“The third way this Warrior Coin helps,” I said, “is by being a symbol of support I can share. When I see someone struggling, I’ve been known to hand them my coin.”
I held it up. “It’s a way of saying, ‘I believe in you.’ That they have the strength to face what’s ahead. Back when I started my warrior journey, others shared their strength with me—and it made all the difference.”
Rambo’s Takeaway:
Rambo’s eyes narrowed in that intense way that probably made entire armies rethink their life choices. “You’d just… give it to someone?”
“Absolutely,” I said. “Because sometimes the smallest gesture has the biggest impact. When they hold that coin, they’ll know someone believes in them.”
He nodded, jaw tight with resolve. “I like that. A lot. I’ve got a buddy who’s been going through it lately. If I gave him one of these… it might be exactly what he needs to keep going.”
A Warrior’s Power
We sat in silence for a moment, both of us reflecting on the power of such a simple yet profound tool. Finally, Rambo broke the silence. “This coin,” he said, “it’s more than just a reminder. It’s like carrying a little piece of the warrior spirit with you.”
“Exactly,” I said. “And when you pass it on, you’re sharing that spirit with someone else.”
And then I reached into my pocket and handed him my Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin. “This one’s yours. Use it to stay strong. And when the time’s right, pass it on to someone who needs it.”
Rambo took the coin, his calloused fingers curling around it. “Thanks, Bruce,” he said. “I won’t let it end up at the bottom of my survival kit.” “I’m holding you to that,” I replied with a grin.
Back to the Battlefield
Realizing we’d been talking for over an hour, we stood up—two warriors ready to face the day. Rambo tucked the coin into his pocket and gave me a firm nod. “I’ve got some people to check in on,” he said. “And a lot of challenges to conquer.”
“Don’t we all?” I replied with a grin. “Just remember the message on the back of that Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin—I am stronger than my challenges.”
We parted ways, both carrying the warrior spirit with us—me in my heart, and Rambo, quite literally, in his pocket.
So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed—or you know someone who is—grab a Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin. Carry it. Share it. Use it as a daily reminder that you are stronger than your challenges… and can triumph over any challenge life throws your way!
Bruce Schutter
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