Yesterday, I found myself in a place I know all too well—a dark cloud of depression hovering over me, trying to pull me down. Despite being a seasoned Mental Health Warrior and the very person who created the Mental Health Warrior Program, the challenges of Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD still sneak up on me. It’s like depression has a key to my mental fortress and every now and then, it decides to pay an unwelcome visit.
Now, as much as I would love to wave my Mental Health Warrior sword and make that depression vanish into thin air, I know it’s not that simple. But just because it’s not simple doesn’t mean I’m powerless. In fact, the very core of the Mental Health Warrior Program is about equipping us with the tools to triumph over life’s challenges by managing our emotions. But on this particular day, I felt like my toolbox was just out of reach.
So, in a moment of desperation, I decided to reach out to an old friend—Winnie the Pooh. Yes, that honey-loving bear from the Hundred Acre Wood has become a close confidant. And because he’s got a heart of gold, Pooh showed up at my doorstep with a guest in tow: Eeyore. That’s right, the ever-gloomy donkey who knows a thing or two about depression.
As they sat me down in my living room, it felt like the roles had reversed. Here I was, the creator of a self-help program, being counseled by two residents of the Hundred Acre Wood. And let me tell you, they reminded me of some valuable lessons that I had once shared with them but had forgotten in the haze of my own struggle.
Step 1: Stepping Back to Gain Perspective
Pooh’s Take:
“Sometimes,” Pooh said in his slow, thoughtful way, “when you’re feeling like the whole world is sitting on your shoulders, you need to take a step back. Not to run away, but just to see things from a different angle.”
Eeyore, in his typical Eeyore fashion, added, “It’s not like stepping back will fix everything, but it will stop things from getting worse.”
Your Turn:
When you feel overwhelmed by depression, take a moment to step back. This doesn’t mean avoiding your feelings, but rather, giving yourself a brief pause to break the momentum of negative thoughts. Use this moment to regain a little bit of control, which can be the first step in climbing out of that dark place.
Step 2: Identifying the Source of Depression
Eeyore’s Take:
With his ears drooping even lower, Eeyore muttered, “Depression has a way of making everything look worse than it is. Sometimes, I think my tail falling off means the whole world is falling apart.”
Pooh nodded sagely, “But when you really look at things, maybe your tail is just a little loose and needs fixing. Maybe everything isn’t as bad as it seems.”
Your Turn:
Depression has a nasty habit of blowing things out of proportion. It’s essential to take a good, hard look at what’s bothering you. Is it something real and tangible that needs addressing, or is your mind playing tricks on you? By distinguishing between real issues and depression-induced distortions, you can take appropriate actions to address what’s really going on.
Step 3: Taking Action to Address the Problem
Pooh’s Take:
“When something’s wrong, like when I can’t find any honey, I don’t just sit there and feel sad,” Pooh said. “I get up, and I look for honey. Or I ask Christopher Robin for help.”
Eeyore chimed in, “Even if all I do is sew my tail back on, it’s something. It’s better than sitting around and waiting for things to get worse.”
Your Turn:
Once you’ve identified the source of your depression, the next step is to take action. This could mean tackling a specific problem head-on or simply starting with a small step in the right direction.
Action, no matter how small, helps you regain a sense of control and purpose. For me, that meant tackling the mountain of undone projects that had been weighing on my mind. Instead of seeing them as an insurmountable pile, I began working through them one at a time, and with each completed task, the weight of depression lifted a little more.
Conclusion: The Power of Asking for Help
As our conversation came to a close, I realized something powerful: Even the teacher needs to ask for help sometimes. Pooh and Eeyore had done more than just remind me of the steps I needed to take—they had shown me the importance of community and support in the journey of mental health.
By the end of our chat, I felt the fog of depression lifting. I was reminded of my own strength and the tools I had at my disposal. Pooh and Eeyore, satisfied that they had helped, happily accepted the cookies I offered them as a thank you. While Pooh did grumble that they would’ve been better with honey, they both left with full bags and happy hearts.
As I watched them head back to the Hundred Acre Wood, I was filled with gratitude — not just for their company, but for the reminder that we are all stronger when we support each other. So, the next time depression tries to take control, I know I have the tools, and the friends, to help me take back my day.
And as for you, remember that even when the darkness feels overwhelming, you are not alone. Reach out, take those three steps, and know that triumph is within your grasp! Because just like Pooh and Eeyore, you are a Mental Health Warrior!
Bruce Schutter
Creator of Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin
コメント