It all started on one of those gloomy mornings when depression decided to show up uninvited. I woke up with that heavy, familiar feeling pressing down on me, trying to convince me that today was going to be a total wash. Despite being the founder of the Mental Health Warrior Program — a self-help approach I built after twenty years of battling bipolar disorder, alcoholism, anxiety, and PTSD — some days, even I feel like I need a fellow warrior to give me a nudge. And who better to call for a little backup than John Wick himself? So, I sent him a text: “Hey, John, depression’s knocking, and it’s looking for trouble.”
Within minutes, he was on my doorstep, looking less like a relentless hitman and more like a calm, collected Mental Health Warrior ready to help a friend out. We grabbed coffee, and I explained my dilemma — how depression was trying to stir up some old financial worries, poking at past mistakes and nudging me toward that familiar spiral. I told John, “Look, I know I’ve taught these lessons a hundred times, but today, I need a reminder from someone who gets it.”
John nodded with that serious-but-supportive look he’s perfected over countless revenge missions. “Alright,” he said, “let’s walk through this together Bruce”
Lesson 1: Depression Lies
John reminded me that depression has one goal — to make you feel powerless, as though nothing is ever going to change. He recited my own advice back to me, saying, “Depression tries to trap us in a loop of negative thoughts, convincing us that we’re stuck. But you, Bruce, you’re a Mental Health Warrior. You’ve got tools. You’ve got solutions.”
And with that, I remembered the truth: depression lies, but I’m not powerless. I thought back to the financial worry that depression was magnifying. Sure, I’d faced financial setbacks — who hasn’t? — but today, those worries weren’t controlling me. I could address them. It was like snapping out of a fog. The truth is, I’ve built these tools to take control of my day, not hand it over to depression on a silver platter.
I turned to John, feeling the fog start to lift. “You’re right,” I said. “Today, I’m not letting this take over. It’s just a thought, not my reality.”
Lesson 2: Take Action (Yes, Even a Sandwich Counts)
This is where John shined a light on the next step. “Look,” he said, “when things feel out of control, the best thing you can do is to just get up and move. You’d be surprised what a simple action can do. Remember when you told me to just make a sandwich? I thought it was ridiculous at first, but it works.”
So, we made sandwiches. Nothing fancy — just some bread, turkey, cheese, and a slice of tomato for a touch of class. But with each step — slicing, layering, and assembling — I felt more grounded, like I was literally building my day back together one slice at a time.
As we munched, I found myself laughing at the absurdity of it all. Here I was, with John Wick, eating a sandwich to battle depression. But I could feel it working. My mind was clearer, my thoughts more focused, and that looming financial worry didn’t seem quite as large. Taking action, however small, had pulled me back into the present.
“Moving works,” I said between bites. “I’m not sure how a sandwich is a weapon against depression, but here we are.” John nodded. “It’s all about momentum. Once you get your body moving, your brain will follow.”
Lesson 3: Attack the Problem Head-On
Feeling energized, we moved on to the final lesson — taking action against the problem depression was using as ammo. John recited the plan like a true warrior: “Now that you’re grounded, it’s time to look that problem in the eye and tackle it. Break it down, find solutions. What are three ways you can address this financial worry right now?”
I thought for a moment, jotting down some ideas. First, I could reach out to a financial advisor to get a handle on things. Second, I’d set up a small savings plan to feel more secure. And third, I’d take inventory of my monthly spending to spot any easy cuts. Seeing these steps in writing, I felt a surge of relief. I had a plan, and the problem was no longer an abstract weight — it was manageable.
John looked at my list approvingly. “Good. Now, every time you start to feel overwhelmed, come back to this list. You have a direction. Depression wants you to feel stuck, but you’re moving forward.”
I thanked him, feeling more like myself again. Each step had stripped away the layers of doubt and fear that depression had built up. With John’s help, I’d turned a dark, overwhelming morning into a manageable day. The problem was still there, but it wasn’t controlling me. I was the one in charge.
John’s Take on Each Lesson
As we wrapped up, I asked John how he used these steps in his own life. He smirked, thinking back on his own chaotic journey. “When I feel lost,” he said, “I remind myself that the battles aren’t just out there; they’re inside, too. And I’ve got the tools to fight back.”
For Lesson 1, he admitted that he sometimes fell into thinking he was alone in his struggles, but he’d learned that wasn’t true. Lesson 2 was all about action for him. “Sometimes, getting up is the hardest thing,” he said. “But once I’m moving, I’m back in control.” And as for Lesson 3, John lives for strategy. “Every problem can be broken down. You just have to tackle it piece by piece.”
Thriving, Not Just Surviving
With our sandwiches finished and our spirits lifted, John glanced at his watch. “I should get back to it,” he said, standing up. “There’s always another rescue, another mission.” But he paused, giving me one last look. “You’ve got this, Bruce. Depression might knock, but you don’t have to let it in.”
I smiled, grateful for the support. “Thanks, John. And you’re right. Today, I’m in control. Depression doesn’t stand a chance.” As John walked out, I felt the weight lift even further. This day had transformed, all because of a little support, a sandwich, and some shared wisdom.
And as I dove into my to-do list with newfound energy, I realized that this was what the Mental Health Warrior Program was all about — not just surviving, but THRIVING, one day at a time!
Bruce Schutter
Creator of Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin
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