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Stop Fearing the Word 'Mental Health': 3 Life-Changing Lessons I Learned with SpongeBob


Stop Fearing the Word 'Mental Health': 3 Life-Changing Lessons I Learned with SpongeBob

Yesterday, while running errands around town, I had an unexpected but delightful encounter. As I walked into the store, who should be stepping in right ahead of me but none other than SpongeBob SquarePants! Yep, the sea sponge himself—because apparently, even residents of Bikini Bottom need to run errands sometimes. Who knew?

 

We ended up sitting on a nearby bench, and SpongeBob turned to me with a thoughtful expression. "Bruce," he said, scratching his spongey head, "why do people still fear talking about mental health?"

 

"Well," I replied, "I think it’s because admitting we struggle—with things like depression, anxiety, or even just the emotions that come with everyday life—can feel like admitting weakness. But a warrior knows that embracing our mental health is actually a sign of strength!"

 

SpongeBob already knew I had spent 20 years battling Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD—struggles that left me feeling so powerless, I tried to end my life. But with a second chance, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program—a groundbreaking SELF-HELP approach designed to help everyone take charge of their emotions, triumph over challenges and build the life you really want.

 

And it’s all fueled by one powerful shift: Embracing our Mental Health—and our Emotions!

 

SpongeBob’s eyes sparkled with understanding. "That makes so much sense!" he exclaimed. "Tell me more—how has your life improved since embracing mental health?"

 

 

Lesson 1: Discover Happiness in Everyday Moments

The first thing I told him was how, after years of struggling with depression (thanks, Bipolar!), I’ve learned to see the world so much more brightly.

 

"These days, I find joy in the smallest moments—like sipping my morning coffee or greeting people I meet. Back when I was deep in depression, those little things felt meaningless. But now? They’re everything."

 

I explained how, in the past, my depression overshadowed life’s small joys, swallowing them up in a dark cloud. But now, those same little moments bring genuine happiness.

 

"It’s like the world has opened up in a way I couldn’t see before!"

 

 

SpongeBob’s Takeaway:

"That’s just like when I fry up a Krabby Patty! Before, it was just another part of my job, but now I savor each flip of the patty because I know how much happiness it brings me—and everyone else!"

 

"And you know what else? I used to think that only big things—like winning a jellyfishing competition or throwing the best party—mattered. But now, I realize that some of my happiest moments are the little things, like watching jellyfish float by, sharing a laugh with Patrick, or even just feeling the warm sun on my spongey face!"

 

"I’m going to share that with Squidward—he needs to find joy in the little things too! Maybe if he stops waiting for some big, perfect moment to be happy, he’ll see that joy is all around him, just waiting to be noticed!"

 

 

Lesson 2: Savor Your Successes

Next, I told SpongeBob how embracing my emotions has helped me truly enjoy my successes—both at work and in my personal life.

 

"Before, no matter what I accomplished, I never felt like I was getting anywhere. My mental health challenges kept me stuck in a constant state of struggle. But now, when I complete a project or make progress, I take time to actually enjoy the success."

 

I explained how giving myself credit for each accomplishment has helped me feel better about myself and more excited about life in general. It allowed me to break free from feeling stuck and to truly celebrate every step forward—no matter how small.

 

 

SpongeBob’s Take:

"I used to think success meant catching the biggest, rarest jellyfish or setting a new record, but now I see that every catch is something to celebrate. Even if I only catch one, it’s still a great day because I’m out there doing what I love!"

 

"I bet if Patrick and I celebrated every jellyfish we catch, we’d enjoy our jellyfishing trips even more! Instead of waiting for some big, perfect moment, we’d realize how much fun we’re already having.

 

And you know what? I think I’ll start celebrating other things too—like making a customer smile at the Krusty Krab or keeping my pineapple extra clean. There are little victories everywhere if we just take the time to notice them!"

 

 

Lesson 3: Progress, Not Perfection

Finally, I shared one of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a Mental Health Warrior: missteps and bad days aren’t the end of the world—they’re learning experiences.

 

"Before, I used to put so much pressure on myself to be perfect. But now, I’ve embraced the idea that mistakes will happen. And when they do, it’s not a setback—it’s a chance to learn and move forward."

 

I explained how this shift in mindset has helped me feel more in control, even on tough days. "Even if I stumble, I know I can get back on track and find a solution. This perspective has been a core part of my journey over the past 17 years as a warrior—it's how I’ve continued to triumph over my challenges each day."

 

 

SpongeBob’s Takeaway:

"Oh, I totally get that! There have been times when I messed up a Krabby Patty order or completely blew a jellyfishing trip. Before, I’d get upset and think I failed. But now, I see every mistake as a way to improve!"

 

"If I burn a Krabby Patty, I learn how to flip it better next time. If I miss a jellyfish, I figure out how to be quicker."

 

"Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re just part of getting better! I think I’ll tell Mr. Krabs that even when things go wrong, we’re always learning and growing!"


 

Wrap Up

After we finished swapping stories, SpongeBob and I agreed it was time to get back to our errands. He had Krabby Patty ingredients to buy, and I needed to grab a few essentials myself.

 

As we parted ways, we both felt a renewed sense of excitement—knowing that the Mental Health Warrior Program can help people stop fearing the word "Mental Health" and start embracing the life-changing benefits that come with it!

 

"You know," SpongeBob said with a grin, "talking about mental health shouldn’t be something we’re afraid to do. We should have more conversations like this—heart-to-heart talks in broad daylight, where everyone can hear us."

 

And that’s exactly how it should be—no whispers, no shame! Just honest conversations, open hearts, and a shared belief that no matter what we face, we can triumph as Mental Health Warriors!



Bruce Schutter


 

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