Mental Health Panel | 2024 | Chicago Sky

On August 15, 2024, the Chicago Sky conducted a “Block the Negativity, Post Up Positivity” mental health panel covering the intersection of social media, female athletes, and mental health outcomes. Lily Rocha, Associate VP of Policy at NAMI Chicago, moderated the panel, which included: Sheryl Swoopes, WNBA legend, Dr. Ndidi Onyejiaka (Dr. O), Chicago Sky’s Team Psychiatrist, and Cari Roccaro of the Chicago Red Stars.

Thank you to our incredible partners: Mesirow, BarkleyOKRP, Putney, NAMI Chicago, Blackstar Project.

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[MizzJem]

The WNBA should support this initiative. Underpaying women athletes and not providing adequate resources creates disparities and vulnerability in women.

[GeminiAF-roxm]

This was such a great panel...mental health is so important

[vanessaandrews]

This panel and discussion was amazing! Thank you ladies for your insight…What you represent changes lives everyday🥰

[AmySue]

Great discussion. So nice to see Sheryl Swoopes.

[monicamichael]

Love this initiative and everyone involved. Thanks, y’all ❤

[loisperez]

This is a good look for the Sky. Thank you ladies for this much needed info.

[Yodaqween]

Great support system for these great athletes

[BBGK]

Great panel. We all go through things. I love this discussion and hope all of the athletes are able to get supports they deserve.

[james]

It’s crazy how respected Sheryl has always been; it’s only since she has expressed her opinion about Angel Reese that people don’t like her, all of a sudden.

[TransGuyReacts]

What I learned or really confirmed from this panel is that people online are trash. Yes, I leave comments on videos from time to time, but I don't ever read responses and I don't have comments on my videos that I post. I just don't have the mental space to care about random negative people on the internet. I do lose out on the positive responses, but the negative people ruin that potential for engagement.

The GOAT Swoopes should not be bullied for her professional opinions as a former player, but Clark's racists fans are garbage people. So here we are.

[shawna]

This is needed a lot of Cyberbullying being done by middle aged men a certain demographic. I hope they heard this message since they love to troll.

[mpineda]

Someone should tell swoopes that supporting athletes also means CC 😂

[seeweda]

Should be ashamed having Sheryl Swoopes on this panel with her history at Loyola and all the Caitlin Clark bullying she’s been doing on her and others podcasts.

[cynthiatoler]

Great discussion. The ladies did a great job sharing their experiences as female athletes while also trying to navigate mental peace. Made me reflect on some things. Great job to everyone involved.

[anwion]

The W really goes through it without all the aggression like men's league but its the simple things

[masonpalazzolo]

Kind of funny yall mentioned cyber bulling but Cheryl Swoops literally did Cyber bullying at CC…

[tomikajones]

Chennedy Carter needs to be evaluated!!

[bipolarpunt]

CHeryl Swoops on the mental health Panel? I wouild think making up facts is very bad for your mental health.

[rodwellchigome]

Swoopes looks so uncomfortable there. Figdety and eyes are down.