Yesterday was one of those days when my mind felt like it was running a marathon without any water breaks. My mental health challenges—Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorder, and PTSD—decided to throw a party in my head, and I wasn’t exactly on the guest list. So, I took a long walk in the park, hoping some fresh air would help me catch my breath. Just when I thought I had the park to myself, who do I see? None other than Winnie the Pooh and Piglet. They weren’t practicing yoga or birdwatching; they were practicing something far more familiar to me — navigating life’s emotional twists and turns.
Pooh waddled up to me, looking unusually serious for a bear with a sweet tooth. “Bruce,” he said, his voice tinged with concern, “Piglet’s anxiety is running wild, and it’s consuming him. It’s causing him problems throughout the day, and I just don’t know how to help him.”
Now, Pooh and I have had these chats before. We’ve talked about the Mental Health Warrior Program I created—a self-help approach rooted in my own struggles. Pooh, being the thoughtful bear he is, remembered a book I’d mentioned: 84 Tools of a Mental Health Warrior. He asked if I could recommend something for Piglet, something that could help when his thoughts start racing, and anxiety tries to take over.
I knew exactly what tool would work: the Mental Health Warrior “Swerve” tool.
The "Swerve" Tool
The "Swerve" technique is a mental health tool designed to help stop racing thoughts, out-of-control anxiety, and negative thinking patterns. By using the power of a simple word, "Swerve," we can interrupt these overwhelming emotions and regain control of our thoughts and actions.
As Pooh and Piglet listened intently, I broke down how it works:
Step 1 - Recognize the Onset of Racing Thoughts or Anxiety:
I explained to Pooh and Piglet that the first step is to recognize when anxiety or racing thoughts begin to take hold. It’s like spotting a storm cloud on the horizon; you can’t stop the storm, but you can prepare for it.
Step 2 - Say "Swerve" Silently or Out Loud:
When you feel those thoughts speeding up, you say “Swerve” either in your head or out loud. It’s a way of telling your brain to take a sharp turn, to avoid the mental collision that anxiety is trying to steer you into.
Step 3 - Pause and Regroup: After saying “Swerve,” you allow yourself a momentary pause. This is the key step where you regain control, much like Pooh pauses before making a crucial decision—like whether to have one jar of honey or two.
Step 4 - Assess and Decide:
Finally, from this calmer state, you can assess the situation and decide on your next steps. It’s like navigating the Hundred Acre Wood — you can’t always avoid the pitfalls, but you can choose the best path forward.
Pooh’s Example: Helping Piglet “Swerve” Away from Worry
Piglet, known for his constant fretting, often gets overwhelmed by the simplest of things — like deciding what color scarf to wear. Pooh suggested using the "Swerve" tool whenever Piglet felt his anxiety bubbling up.
Your Turn: If you, like Piglet, find yourself getting anxious over small decisions, try saying “Swerve” to interrupt those thoughts. Take a moment to breathe, then calmly decide on the best course of action. It’s not about avoiding the problem; it’s about giving yourself a break from the mental turmoil.
Piglet’s Example: Swerving Away from Panic
Piglet tends to panic whenever something unexpected happens — like a strong gust of wind or a surprise visit from Tigger. The "Swerve" tool would allow him to pause and take control before his panic spirals out of control.
Your Turn: In moments of unexpected stress, say “Swerve” to break the chain of panic. Give yourself a brief mental vacation from the situation, then return with a clearer, calmer perspective.
Pooh’s Example: Swerving Away from Self-Doubt
Even Pooh has moments of self-doubt, particularly when he’s run out of honey and has to figure out how to get more. By using the Mental Health Warrior "Swerve" tool, Pooh could stop his doubts in their tracks and approach the situation with his usual optimistic outlook.
Your Turn: When self-doubt starts to creep in, say “Swerve” to push those negative thoughts aside. Allow yourself to regroup and then tackle the challenge with renewed confidence.
The Humorous Side of "Swerve"
As I shared this with Pooh and Piglet, they both started practicing saying “Swerve” in different tones and volumes. It wasn’t long before we were all laughing—imagining ourselves swerving left and right to avoid imaginary obstacles. The humor lightened the mood, making the technique even more effective.
Conclusion: Embracing the "Swerve" in Your Life
As our chat came to an end, I felt a wave of relief wash over me and I gave them both a copy of my book "84 Mental Health Warrior Tools" so that would be ready for any challenge that arises. The conversation had also reminded me of the power of the "Swerve" tool — how it helps me navigate the challenges of Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorder, and PTSD. And seeing Pooh and Piglet embrace it, too, was heartwarming!
As we parted ways, Pooh looked at me with gratitude. “Thank you, Bruce. I feel better knowing that I can help Piglet with this tool. It’s a simple, but it’s powerful warrior tool!”
And that’s the truth of it. Sometimes, the simplest tools are the most effective. So, whether you’re battling anxiety like Piglet or just trying to make it through the day, remember to "Swerve." Because when you do, you’re not just avoiding the obstacles—you’re taking control of your path, one calm, collected step at a time!
Bruce Schutter
(Creator of the Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin)
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