SAAC Hosts Panel for Mental Health Awareness Month

CYPRESS, CA - The Cypress College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted a panel of industry leaders to discuss mental health topics and strategies for helping student athletes who may be struggling. 

The Cypress SAAC facilitated a conversation surrounding mental health and helped student-athletes feel more comfortable discussing their feelings with teammates. There were over 50 student-athletes in attendance across the Chargers' 14 men's and women's sports including SAAC reps Nico Alex from baseball and Jayda Steele from women's tennis. SAAC President and sophomore men's basketball guard, Keith Turner, led the discussion using questions submitted by student-athletes across campus. 

The panelists included former Cypress women's basketball player and current Sport and Performance Psychology Consultant, Jessica Romero, Associate Clinical Social Worker, Erick Nunez, and Director of Family Preservation, Andrew Preston. Much of last night's conversation centered around self-talk and how important it is to take care of yourself both mentally and physically outside your sport. Jessica Romero discussed how going back to your "why" and your purpose can help get you through tough times. Andrew Preston added to the conversation by explaining how negative self-talk can fuel irrational beliefs that can be harmful to your ability to get back into the game. Erick Nunez touched on some strategies for improving mental health such as meditation. He explained how it allows you to be in tune with your body and be in control of your mind. 

The panelists provided parting advice to the attendees to help them deal with the expectations that come with being a student-athlete at Cypress College and beyond.

Jessica Romero: "Our roles change drastically no matter what team we're on. All athletes have a role and contributed. If you're a practice player, you're making your teammate better. You have a purpose."

Andrew Preston: "We should always be aware of what is and isn't attainable. We shouldn't let others minimize our dreams since we don't truly know our full potential. Be okay with taking risks and appreciate the journey since everything takes effort. The best players don't become the best overnight, they work hard to achieve their goals."

Erick Nunez: "I wish someone told me to be flexible with myself. We have this plan on a whiteboard in our minds but we need to give ourselves grace and permission to rearrange things. We need to see what our options 1, 2, 3 or 100 look like and how we can prepare for them."

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