Mental Health Disorders or Challenges—whichever term you prefer—are no fun. They can feel overwhelming and make you want to give up control, resigning yourself to a limited life. But I'm here to challenge that notion and prove it's not the case.
Let me tell you a bit about myself. I’ve personally struggled with bipolar disorder, alcoholism, anxiety disorders, and PTSD from my time as an EMT on a rescue squad. Given these challenges, you might think my life would be a constant struggle, with no room to push boundaries or pursue ambitious goals. Conventional wisdom suggests that when we face such challenges, our primary task is to manage them, leaving little energy for anything else. However, I am here to tell you that this is not true!
My Solution: The Mental Health Warrior Program
I created the Mental Health Warrior Program based on my years of struggling with my mental health challenges. It’s a self-help approach that allows us to manage our mental health throughout each day while—crucially—enabling us to control and move forward on any life path we choose. Yes, we are in charge, not our challenges. This process requires daily work and is not a quick fix, but it works! I offer myself as proof of concept.
It Begins with Allying with Emotions
Today, I use lifestyle and mindset changes to ally with my emotions and work with them. By embracing the full spectrum of emotions, I have learned not to fear them and, in fact, to use their power to triumph over my challenges each day. Instead of letting my challenges limit my choices, I now decide the direction of my life.
For example, I give talks to groups and record podcasts. In the past, my anxiety would force me to jump through hoops just to speak at a meeting. I was constantly living in fear and on the edge of panic, trying to self-medicate with alcohol. I didn’t know how to process tough emotions, which gave away my power to PTSD. I couldn’t think about the tragedies I had witnessed without retreating from life. But today, as a warrior, I ally with my emotions, learn from them and use this power to triumph each day over my mental health challenges.
I Stay in Control
Now I have learned that allying with my emotions means my bipolar disorder might still send me into depression for no reason, but it no longer holds me captive. I have the tools and processes to prevent it from taking over my day or life. My message to you is that I understand and have fallen into the trap of what is commonly expected when you have mental health challenges. That we retreat and just try to get through the day. But that is not the path we must take! Instead as a Mental Health Warrior we use our tools to take back control of the day and our life.
No Limits
In the past, my life was a series of avoidances. I avoided social situations because my anxiety would spike. I avoided talking about my feelings because my PTSD would resurface. I avoided being alone with my thoughts because my bipolar disorder would plunge me into darkness. Alcohol became my crutch, a way to numb the pain and avoid the inevitable confrontations with my own mind. This cycle of avoidance left me feeling powerless and adrift.
Today, I firmly know that avoidance is not a solution. It was a temporary escape that ultimately led to more significant problems. The Mental Health Warrior Program was born out of this realization. It is a framework that empowered me and you to face our challenges head-on and embrace our emotions rather than run from them.
So, do you want to climb mountains, build a business, take on new sports, or tackle any other challenge in life? You can! Even if you have mental health challenges, just like I do. For the rallying cry of the Mental Health Warrior is “No Surrender,” as we will no longer be limited or give up just because we have mental health challenges!
How We Build Our Warrior Strength
An essential component of the program is resilience. Building resilience means developing the mental and emotional strength to bounce back from setbacks. It involves setting realistic goals, celebrating small victories, and learning from failures. Resilience has been crucial in helping me navigate the ups and downs of bipolar disorder. It has given me the confidence to pursue my goals, knowing that I have the strength to overcome obstacles.
Another key practices of the program is mindfulness. Mindfulness taught me to be present in the moment, to observe my thoughts and feelings without judgment. This practice helped me to understand my emotions better and to respond to them in healthier ways. Instead of reaching for a drink when I felt anxious, I learned to sit with my anxiety, to explore its roots, and to find healthier coping mechanisms.
Support is also a vital aspect of the Mental Health Warrior Program. Connecting with others who understand your struggles can be incredibly empowering. It creates a sense of community and shared purpose. Through support groups and peer networks, I found the encouragement and understanding I needed to keep moving forward. Knowing that I was not alone in my journey made a significant difference.
The Biggest Lesson
The most important lesson I have learned through this program is that I am not defined by my mental health challenges. They are a part of my story, but they do not dictate my future. By taking proactive steps to manage my mental health, I have reclaimed control over my life. I have pursued goals that once seemed impossible and have discovered new passions along the way.
So, to anyone reading this who feels trapped by their mental health challenges, know that there is hope. The Mental Health Warrior Program can help you regain control and set a new direction for your life. It won’t be easy, but it is possible. By embracing your emotions, building resilience, and seeking support, you too can become a Mental Health Warrior. You have the power to take your life in any direction you choose. Remember, “No Surrender, No Limits!”
Bruce Schutter (Creator of the Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin)
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