#Positively Stressed - Week 26
Depression and isolation often go hand in hand. Depression can make us withdraw from others… and isolation can deepen depression. It’s a vicious cycle, and getting out of it can feel impossible.
But I’m reminded of a story Leo tells in The West Wing:
A guy falls into a hole.
A priest comes by and says a prayer for the man and keeps walking.
A psychiatrist comes by and writes a prescription for the man and keeps walking.
A friend comes by and jumps in after him.
The guy says, “What are you doing? Now we’re both stuck!”
The friend replies, “Yeah, but I’ve been down here before… and I know the way out.”
That’s what true support looks like. It’s not just about sympathy from a distance – it’s about climbing into the struggle with someone and walking the path out together.
In the military, we call this having a #BattleBuddy – someone who has your back no matter what. It’s not just a nice idea – it’s a survival mechanism. But here’s the thing – you don’t need to be in uniform to need a Battle Buddy.
One example that sticks with me is Tank Tolman, a Viking cosplayer and fitness influencer who also uses his brand to be a mental health advocate. Yes, he dresses like a Norse warrior. But his real battles aren’t fought with swords and shields, they’re fought with conversations, community building, and showing up for people when they need it most. Tank uses his persona to connect with others, break down walls, and remind people that strength comes from standing together, not just standing tall.
One of Tank’s most poignant videos (link) shows him in full cosplay and telling the viewer that they can rest as he “has the watch” because they are safe from the “battles of the mind”. For veterans who live with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental conditions, his words strike a familiar chord we likely haven’t heard since leaving the service – that we are not in this alone.
Being #PositivelyStressed doesn’t mean avoiding stress or pretending everything is fine. It means acknowledging the weight we carry, while also building the support systems that keep us moving forward. Stress is inevitable – but isolation doesn’t have to be.
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