In Case You Need to Hear This—I'm Proud of You: Mental Health Warriors Rise Above Challenges
- Bruce Schutter
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
It was a breezy afternoon in town when I spotted a suspiciously soggy crew loitering by the fountain in the town square. There, slumped across a bench like melted cheese, was none other than SpongeBob SquarePants—and beside him, Patrick, Squidward (moodier than usual), Sandy Cheeks, and even Mr. Krabs, who was dramatically clutching a receipt.
They were glum. Like, cartoon-commercial-break glum. I approached with a six-pack of diet sodas and a mission. “Rough day?” I asked.
SpongeBob sighed. “We’re doing everything we can. Journaling, breathing, using our Warrior Tools. But it’s like... we’re still struggling.”
I nodded. “Yeah. That’s the part no one talks about. Being a Mental Health Warrior doesn’t mean you never struggle—it means you don’t give up.”
I popped open a soda and held it up. “So, I called this meeting for one reason: In case you need to hear this... I’m proud of you!”
They blinked. Even Squidward flinched.
Why I Said It
Because I know that moment. The moment when the initial excitement of change wears off. When the struggle feels the same, even though you’re doing the work. When you’re not sure if you’re moving forward—or just tired.
They know my story. I spent 20 years battling Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD. I felt so powerless that I tried to end my life. But with a second chance, 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 new SELF-HELP approach built from the very tools, mindset shifts, and real-world strategies that saved my life. It’s designed to help anyone take charge of their emotions, triumph over challenges and build the life they really want.
The Warrior Program is for everyone—yes, even cartoon sea creatures.
So, I told them what I tell anyone who’s started this path: “No matter where you are on your journey, I’m proud of you!”
3 Ways the Gang Took It to Heart
(1) SpongeBob: Celebrate Small Wins
“I’ve been journaling,” SpongeBob said, lighting up just a bit. “But I usually think it’s silly unless I solve everything. But now... I think writing anything is a win!”
Exactly. When we acknowledge the effort instead of only the outcome, we reinforce progress. Writing one sentence, pausing to breathe, reaching for a Warrior Tool—those count!
“I’m going to decorate my journal,” SpongeBob added. “Every entry gets a glitter sticker. That’s how I’ll remember that every step matters.”
(2) Sandy: Shift from Perfection to Progress
Sandy nodded thoughtfully. “I’ve been expecting myself to ace every challenge like I’m back in science rodeo finals. But today, I heard what you said. Struggling doesn’t mean we’re failing.”
She paused. “Progress over perfection. Got it.”
That’s the Warrior Way. You’ll mess up. You’ll miss a meditation session or have a bad day. But if you’re trying, you’re already in the game. And that’s a win.
“I’m going to track my progress differently,” Sandy said. “Instead of checking off boxes, I’m going to write how I felt. If I stayed kind to myself? That’s success.”
(3) Patrick: Don’t Go It Alone
Patrick looked up from licking condensation off his soda can. “I’ve been pretending I’m not struggling so I don’t bring anyone down. But it turns out, hiding it just makes me feel worse.”
He gave a rare flash of insight. “But when you said you’re proud of us, I didn’t feel so alone.”
Warriors know when to reach out. Telling someone you’re having a hard time doesn’t make you weak—it makes you brave. We’re not built to carry it all alone.
“I’m going to tell SpongeBob the next time I feel wobbly,” Patrick said. “Even if he’s upside-down and doing breathing exercises.”
Final Message: I’m Proud of You
So here’s the deal: If no one else told you today—I’m proud of YOU!
Proud of you for reading this. For thinking about change. For still standing after all you’ve been through. Proud of you for your Mental Health Warrior journey. Even if you’re still at the starting line.
Because starting means you’re no longer hiding. Starting is the bravest thing of all!
Take this moment as your checkpoint, your soda-fueled pep talk, your cartoon-worthy pause in the chaos. Then take your next step. Doesn’t matter how big—just make it yours.
For you are a Mental Health Warrior. And I’m proud to be in this fight with you!
Bruce Schutter