Rich, Poor, Tall, Short—Mental Health Challenges Do Not Care: Learn How to Triumph with the Minions
- Bruce Schutter
- Mar 11
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 14
It was a breezy afternoon downtown when I spotted a familiar scene—a group of short, yellow figures buzzing around the fountain. The Minions—my little Mental Health Warrior buddies—were waving frantically. These guys are the definition of energy: equal parts chaos and charm. But today, they looked particularly animated.
“Bruce!” one of them squeaked, dashing over to me. “We’ve been waiting for you!”
I grinned. The Minions and I had bonded over the Mental Health Warrior Program I created after spending over 20 years battling Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD. Those struggles left me feeling so powerless that I tried to end my life. But with a second chance, I made a life-changing discovery: Mental Health is the key to overcoming any challenge.
From my journey, I built the Mental Health Warrior Program—a revolutionary SELF-HELP approach—to help everyone take charge of their emotions and triumph over life’s challenges!
Because here’s the truth: Mental Health challenges don’t discriminate. They come for everyone—rich or poor, tall or short, and yes, even small and yellow. But as Mental Health Warriors, we know that no challenge is stronger than our ability to fight back.
The Minions nodded in unison, their goggles gleaming with determination. “Life is full of challenges, but we know the answer—BECOME Mental Health Warriors!”
One Minion tilted his head and raised a tiny hand. “So, Boss… where do we start?”
I smiled. “Glad you asked. Let me share three warrior-strength-building tips that will help you take back control of your life—Minion style!”
Tip 1: Prioritize Your Mental Health Every Day
“First and foremost,” I began, “never skip your mental health check-in. I know you’re busy with gadgets, experiments, and… whatever else you Minions get into. But even on the busiest days, set aside 15-30 minutes just for you.
Use that time to process your emotions, regroup, and form a plan using your Mental Health Warrior tools. Even if you don’t act on it immediately, having a plan is empowering—it shifts you from feeling stuck to taking control.”
Minion’s Takeaway:
One Minion’s hand shot up. “So, like… when we’re building a rocket and everything’s going BOOM, instead of running around screaming, we could pause and make a new plan?”
“Exactly!” I said, nodding. “When you step back, organize your thoughts, and reset, you go from freaking out to figuring it out. You’ll feel less overwhelmed, more in control, and ready to take action with confidence!
The Minions exchanged looks, then nodded in unison. “WE CAN DO THAT!” they cheered.
Tip 2: Don’t Get Caught in the Frenzy—Find Your Oasis
I leaned in, lowering my voice for dramatic effect. “Here’s the second tip: Don’t let the chaos of the world pull you under.” The news, social media, future worries—they can sweep you away like a tidal wave, leaving you overwhelmed before the day even begins.
Instead, anchor yourself in the present. Focus on what you can control right now. Give yourself permission to take ONE positive action—whether it’s eating a meal that supports your mental health, taking a walk, or even playing a video game.
Why?
Because small moments of calm create big waves of resilience. It’s about designing your own private oasis in the middle of the storm—a space where you reset, recharge, and reclaim your balance before stepping back into the fight!
Minion’s Takeaway:
A Minion with a clipboard and very serious goggles adjusted his notes. “So, if the banana market crashes, we don’t have to panic. We could eat a nice salad… or play ping-pong to feel better?”
I grinned. “Exactly! A single positive action—whether it’s food, movement, or just taking a breath—keeps you grounded. Instead of getting buried under the ‘tsunami’ of stress, you reset your mind and regain control.”
The Minions perked up, brainstorming instantly.
“We could build a mini-golf course in the lab!” one shouted.
“Or try yoga!” another chimed in, attempting an immediate and very wobbly tree pose.
“We should schedule banana meditation!” yelled a third.
I laughed. “Perfect ideas! Whatever helps you stay emotionally centered, do that!”
Tip 3: Use a NEW Warrior Tool Every Day
“Finally,” I said, “commit to using at least one Mental Health Warrior tool each day. Whether it’s from a blog article, book, or video on the website, pick a tool and put it into action.
The goal isn’t to master everything at once—it’s to start small. If you use just one tool per day, by the end of the week, you’ll have a whole toolbelt of warrior strategies. And trust me, when life throws a curveball, you’ll feel empowered and ready to tackle any challenge.”
Minions' Takeaway:
A Minion with oversized goggles raised his hand. “So, if our latest invention explodes in our faces, instead of panicking, we could grab a warrior tool to help us stay motivated?”
“Exactly!” I said. “Maybe it’s journaling about what went wrong and how to improve. Maybe it’s deep breathing to shake off frustration. The key is to practice using these tools daily—so when you need them, they’re second nature.”
The Minions erupted in excited chatter, bouncing with ideas. “We could make a checklist of tools to try!” one said. “Or have a ‘Tool of the Day’ challenge in the lab!”
“Now you’re thinking like warriors!” I said, grinning.
Parting Minion Wisdom
As we wrapped up our conversation, the Minions stood a little taller (or as tall as Minions can), their eyes gleaming with newfound determination.
“We’re going to try these tips—challenges don’t stand a chance!” one declared, pumping a tiny fist in the air.
“That’s the spirit,” I said, giving them a thumbs-up. “Life will throw curveballs, but as Mental Health Warriors, we’re always building strength and filling our toolbelt—so we’re ready for whatever comes next.”
One Minion grinned and said “Like the Coast Guard motto—‘Semper Paratus!’ Always ready!”
I laughed and clapped his shoulder. “Exactly. Now go tackle the day, warriors!”
Our Takeaway
As the Minions dashed off on their next adventure, I couldn’t help but think: mental health challenges don’t discriminate. Rich or poor, tall or short, human or Minion—everyone faces struggles.
But as Mental Health Warriors, we don’t just endure life’s challenges—we rise to meet them! Armed with the warrior mindset and the tools in our warrior toolbelt, we have the strength to navigate whatever comes our way.
So, the next time life feels overwhelming, channel your inner Minion strength (oops, I mean Warrior strength!)—then take action, keep moving forward, and show the world just how unstoppable you are!
Bruce Schutter
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