SWU-Phinma lays down mental health program for student-athletes

CEBU, Philippines —  Given the current sports climate wherein tournaments were cancelled and trainings grind to a halt, the management of Southwestern University-Phinma realized the need to provide a mental health program specific to the needs of its student-athletes.

It is for this reason that SWU-Phinma, in partnership with StuMO, has crafted a mental health initiative that is geared towards the holistic development of its athletes. StuMO is a US-based organizations which seeks to help college students develop as men and women of faith, character and leadership.

To be implemented via online platforms, the program will be moderated by StuMO staff Will Cassidy and Sam Johnson, according to SWU-Phinma Athletic Director Pio Gerardo Solon.

One topic will be addressed each week, with ample time given for personal reflections.

Scheduled at 11 a.m. on Fridays from November 13 to December 4, Cassidy and Johnson will take up various subjects about mental and emotional health particularly on how to deal with stress and anxiety, finding one's  identity in a connected world, living life on purpose, and how to surround one's self with good influences.

In this time of pandemic, SWU-Phinma deemed it important to ensure its athletes are not only training and studying hard, but are also given the necessary mental and emotional support.

"This program is one way we can support our athletes emotionally during this time," said SWU-Phinma in a statement. — EBV