Daily Forty-Niner; February 7, 2022

digital print special edition

DAILY FORTY-NINER EST p 1949

Vol. LXXVIII, Issue 39

www.daily49er.com

Monday, February 7, 2022

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WELLNESS 3

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | EIC@DAILY49ER.COM ON THE COVER Illustration by Lillian Li

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T

The sun setting over Rosie’s Dog Beach.

JONATHAN BIGALL | Daily Forty-Niner

aking care of yourself can be a difficult task. When faced with the obligations of school, work, personal life, and everything in between, stepping back and taking time for yourself can sometimes feel trivial. But, now more than ever, it is vital to ensure you are giving your mind, body and spirit the attention it deserves. Acts of self-care can look different from person to person, and it’s important to identify what qualifies as true personal support to you.

Whatever your style of self-care is, we hope you can find some advice and resources in the following stories to reinspire you to put yourself first.

Special Projects Editor Photo Editor Video Editor Social Media Editor

Lillian Li Ulysses Villa Reyn Ou Kristina Agresta

Podcast Editor Cindy Aguilera Public Relations Editor Kaitlyn Rowell Community Engagement Isabel Silagy Editor

Assistants News Assistants Hannah Shields Vincent Medina Arts Assistant Julissa Villalobos Opinions Assistant Jonathan Bigall Sports Assistant Matthew Brown Graphic Design Assistant Eunice Barron Special Projects Assistant Sebastian Perez Social Media Assistants Krystal Ordonez Michael Carcano Podcast Assistants Aziza Gomez Cristian Vasquez Public Relations Assistant Jason Coronel

Business Advertising Manager Reilly Jonna Guzman advertising@daily49er.com Account Executives Zayra Rodriguez Purva Rao Graphic Designer Aaray Amano Webmaster Zenilkumar Vaghasiya PR & Promotions Manager Kate Michel Distribution Manager Darlene Malolos Distribution Analyst Jacob Patrick Mitchell

Lillian Li Special Projects Editor

Creative Director Wendy Rangel Web Assistant Vidyadhari Raghunadha Naid PR & Promotions Intern Alyssa Cristina Canales Nadia Melina Vazquez

Advisers Design Adviser Gary Metzker Content Adviser Barbara Kinglsey-Wilson

Land Acknowledgment Here at the 49er we acknowledge that the school we report on is located on the sacred site of Puvungna, “the gathering place”. We are on the land of the Tongva/Gabrieleño and the Acjachemen/ Juaneño Nations who have lived and continue to live here.

We also acknowledge the Gabrieleño/Tongva (pronounced: GABRIEL-EN-YO/TONG – VAH) and Acjachamen/Juaneño (pronounced: AH-HACH-AH-MEN/JUAN-EN-YO) as the traditional custodians of the Los Angeles region along with the Chumash (pronounced: CHOO-MOSH) to the north and west, and the Tataviam (pronounced: TAH-TAH-VEE-YUM) and Cahuilla (pronounced: KAH-WEE-YAH) Nations to the east.

We respect and value the many ways the Tongva/Acjachemen cultural heritage and beliefs continue to have significance to the living people and remind us about the sacred and spiritual relationship that has always existed here at what we now call California State University Long Beach.

Advertising & Business Jennifer Newton Adviser Letters Policy: All letters and emails must bear the phone number of the writer and must be no more than 300 words. The Daily Forty-Niner reserves the right to edit letters for publication in regard to space.

Editorials: All opinions expressed in the columns, letters and cartoons in the issue are those of the writers or artists. The opinons of the Daily FortyNiner are expressed only in unsigned editorials and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the journalism department or the views of all staff members. All such editorials are written by the editorial board of the Daily Forty-Niner.

4 WELLNESS

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Photo Illustration by Ulysses Villa

“Take breaks if it’s really bothersome, if it’s something keeping you from getting your stuff done,” Erin Rueff, chief of Stein Family Cornea & Contact Lens Center at Marshall B. Ketchum University said.

Eye strain: How to combat it and why ocular health is important CSULB students have experienced exhaustion due to prolonged computer use, but experts say extensive periods of any nearsighted activities could lead to eye fatigue.

By Kevin Caparoso Managing Editor

I

t was the end of the fall 2021 semester and all Harmony Hernandez wanted to do was relax by playing video games.

The fourth-year political science major just finished two days’ worth of final assignments which she estimated to consist of 10 hours of screen time per day.

Hernandez’s game of choice was “Call of Duty Warzone” and she was only a couple of matches in until she started to feel the discomfort.

She noticed her eyes were unusually dry and started to hurt.

“I looked over to my mirror and my eyes were just red,” Hernandez said. “It was absolutely terrible.”

Eyestrain is described as any discomfort in and around the eye, Erin Rueff, chief of Stein Family Cornea & Contact Lens Center at Marshall B. Ketchum University said.

According to Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit organization dedicated to health research and education, eyestrain is a term used to describe conditions related to dryness, ocular disease, fatigue and other causes.

When it comes to computer eyestrain, Rueff said most people experience the symptoms of headaches, a pulling or tugging sensation in and around the eyes and soreness.

Hernandez said her eyes hurt so much that closing them was the only way to feel relief. Then, she left to go to Target to purchase eyedrops.

“I could not for the life of me look at a screen in any way, shape or form,” she said.

Rueff calls eyedrops “artificial tears” and advises people to stay away from the ones marketed to “get the red out.” She said those specific eyedrops usually contain an ingredient that turns the eyes even redder after the effects wear off.

“Right now it’s unavoidable for us to have to do a lot of work on our computers and our devices,” Rueff said. “So

just being cognizant of the fact that you know, we just need a break.”

However, for Lila Hunter, a third-year graphic design major, extensively looking at a digital screen has been part of her routine even before the pandemic.

Hunter works with digital art and her screen has to be set on a particular brightness and be in an optimal setting to accurately display colors.

Her graphic design projects require immense fixation on the computer screen which has given her headaches.

Hunter has to work with subtle shades of colors and after staring at a screen for so long, they become hard to discern.

“I recommend everyone, including myself to follow the 20-20-20 rule,” Han said. “Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break by looking 20 feet far away.”

Dr. Silvia Han, assistant professor of Pediatric Vision Care and Vision Therapy at Marshall B. Ketchum University

“I’m working on a product for hours and then I’m like, ‘colors just don’t make sense to my eyes anymore’,” Hunter said. “I need to take a break.”

Dr. Silvia Han, assistant professor of Pediatric Vision Care and Vision Therapy at Marshall B. Ketchum University said that it is important to take visual breaks.

“I recommend everyone, including myself to follow

the 20-20-20 rule,” Han said. “Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break by looking 20 feet far away.”

In Han’s department, they look at the eye-teaming, eye-focusing, and eye-tracking skills that factor into nearsighted activities.

“Those three skills are important to provide clear and comfortable vision while reading and doing close work,” Han said.

Close work is not exclusive to the computer, many of Han’s patients have experienced eyestrain by reading or studying without the use of a screen.

“Some people experience eyestrain–eye fatigue after just a whole day of work,” Han said. “They say they experience eyestrain every day after 6 to 10 hours of near work.”

Rueff said in the past couple of years people have complained about the discomfort of “digital fatigue” that could be caused by many conditions.

“It’s important to seek eye care if [eye strain] symptoms are really bothersome,” Rueff said.

Rueff said an optometrist checks for two things.

First, they check a patient’s vision to make sure they can see 20/20. If not, they either prescribe them glasses or update their prescription to make sure their vision is optimal.

They will also check a patient’s ocular health to see if they have any eye conditions or ocular diseases that the patient may not be aware of.

“It’s important to get that annual eye exam and make sure you’re getting your eyes checked,” Rueff said. “To make sure there’s not something that’s getting overlooked– no pun intended.”

Ketchum Health’s University Eye Center offers a 50% discount on eye exams when college students show their school I.D. card. For more information, contact the clinic at (714) 463-7500.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | EIC@DAILY49ER.COM

WELLNESS 5

CSULB support groups are here for the Beach community

By Cindy Aguilera Podcast Editor

C

SULB’s support groups are offered asynchronously this spring semester through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) in order to help students who are struggling with personal issues such as family relationships, loss of motivation and stress.

CAPS also offers counseling services for students who are “struggling with romantic relationships, life transitions, sexuality, grief, stress” and other personal matters, according to their homepage.

The following support groups are a list of spaces students can RSVP for via email or through Beach Sync. A full list of these events and other online groups is available through CAPS’ online therapy groups page as well as dropin spaces.

Mondays “Grieving with Grace: Conversations about learning to live after loss” meets from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. once a month and begins on Feb. 7.

“Rainbow Café: An Inclusive Space in Support of (a) Sexual, (a)Gender and (a)Romantic Diversity” takes place in-person every Monday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Multicultural Center (FO-Room 2).

Tuesdays Butterfly Healing Circle: Undoc/DACA support group led by UndocuAllies’ meets once a month. For more information, email Nidia Moran at Nidia.Moran@csulb.edu for dates and location.

“Black Table Talk: A Space for Conversations about Race and Other Issues Impacting Black Students” meets

CINDY AGUILERA | Daily Forty-Niner

CAPS’ in-person services are closed for now, but they can be contacted via (562) 985-4001 or caps@csulb.edu. from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. twice a month starting on Feb. 25.

“Creating Connection for Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander Students: A Conversation space Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander students to connect across diverse lived experiences” meets from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom.

Wednesdays “Buddies Connect @ the Beach: Meet other students, build community, get resources, and de-stress” takes place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. every week.

“It’s Been A While: Resources & community building for re-entering & non-traditional aged students” takes place from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. every week.

Thursdays “First at the Beach: A support space for first-generation college students at CSULB.” meets from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. every week.

“Thoughtful Thursday: Guided mindfulness and meditation” meets from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every week on Zoom.

“Sisterfriends: A supportive networking group for

Black women (led by Women’s & Gender Equity Center)” meets over Zoom from 1 p.m. to 2:30 pm every week.

“Latinas @ the Beach: A space to connect with other Latinas” meets from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. every week three times a month over zoom and in-person in the University Student Union (USU) starting on Feb. 24. To sign up, email LatinasAtTheBeach@csulb.edu.

If students prefer one-on-one services, CAPS offers resources such as Crisis Intervention to speak immediately due to urgent matters such as extreme sadness, panic attacks or thoughts of self-harm.

CAPS’ Initial consultations can set students up to meet a counselor one-on-one regularly, as well as short-term counseling, case management, and other resources.

CAPS is located in Brotman Hall room 226 and abides by university and county safety guidelines. Most services are currently remote, so students can call CAPS at (562) 985-4001 or email at caps@csulb.edu to set up a one-onone appointment.

For updates and upcoming events, follow CAPS on Instagram at @csulbcaps.

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Learn and practice the healing arts of mindfulness and meditation. www.longbeachmeditation.org info@longbeachmeditation.org (562) 448-6887

Image by Sage Friedman

6 WELLNESS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | EIC@DAILY49ER.COM

Many minds and bodies have gone through loss, depression, becoming sick and more.

CHRISTINA MERINO | Daily Forty-Niner

THE PANDEMIC HAS AFFECTED YOUR MIND AND BODY MORE THAN YOU REALIZE Being part of a major historical event is exhausting.

By Christina Merino Opinions Editor

I

t has already been two years amid the COVID-19 pandemic and we continue to live in a constant state of fear and worry of the unknown.

The frequent news of those around us getting sick, and even some losing their lives can be stressful situations someone can go through.

The pandemic has caused great damage to the world, but it has also affected your mind and body.

Dealing with so much loss can be difficult for someone to mentally navigate and process. The loss of our absolute freedom to come and go as we pleased.

Graduations, birthdays, and holidays were not celebrated because there were too many risks. The most difficult loss is a loved one passing away due to COVID-19.

According to the New York Times, more people in the United States died from COVID-19 in 2021 than in 2020.

It is draining being stuck in quarantine or tirelessly working as a health care professional or essential worker. It gets depressing to think about how not much has changed from where we were in 2020.

The pandemic has caused people to struggle even more with their mental health. A new study by Brown University and Boston University, published in The Lancet Regional Health, found that 32% of U.S adults experienced symptoms of depression in 2021 compared to 28% at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.

Life going back to “normal” seems to become more of a distant memory. Dueling and holding onto this idea of normalcy has definitely affected us all. Things that we are looking forward to can be taken away just as quickly by variants of the virus. For example, the omicron variant has postponed so many concerts like Elton John and Adele.

Our bodies have gone through so much as well, the most drastic being actually contracting COVID-19. Now it is more impressive to find someone who hasn’t got sick than someone who has.

As of this year, there is a daily average of 618,315 cases of COVID-19 in the U.S, according to the New York Times. But we also continue to try and protect ourselves and not let this happen.

Our bodies have undergone a lot of stress over these years, especially when we were in quarantine. This resulted in the “COVID 15”, which people refer to as the weight that they gained during this time.

According to Harvard Health, researchers found that 39% of patients gained weight during the pandemic. Other people lost a lot of weight. People were ignoring their hunger cues because of the stress we were living in.

An electronic health record analysis revealed that 35% of patients lost weight during the first year of the pandemic.

These shifts in the way our bodies were functioning resulted in changes some of us may have not even noticed.

Our immune systems have changed as well. Now, 68% of California’s population has been fully vaccinated. Booster shots have also become mandatory in places like universities, such as CSULB, in order to return to campus. All this we do to protect our bodies and prepare us for if we do get sick.

Our minds and bodies have endured so much throughout this pandemic. We will never know what life have been like if the pandemic hadn’t happened and wish for the days we once knew.

Instead of focusing on how much has changed, for the better or the worst, all we can do is keep moving forward. We must learn to nurture ourselves as individuals and as a collective because we are all going through similar changes.

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8 WELLNESS

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low budget healthy eating Spending time on learning how to cook will not only expand your senses in the kitchen but develop skills in organizing and multitasking.

By Ulysses Villa Photo Editor

Miso Soup

First up on the hit parade is Miso soup, a Japanese dish made with miso paste, a fish stock called Dashi, and dried seaweed. The proteins in the miso paste separate and rise to the top, creating the prominent thick cloudy haze.

The good thing about this meal is that there is no meal prep time other than cutting the tofu into 1 inch by 1 inch cubes. If you want a serving of two, then you need to fill half of a 2-quart pot with water. A bigger pot yields a larger portion, but this is not recommended unless you’re serving a large party.

Once the water starts to steam, use a strainer to dump Dashi packet onto the strainer. Submerge the strainer in the water but not all the way, just enough to moisten the Dashi.

Think of it like you’re making tea, and Dashi is the umami flavored packet, providing the hidden power of fish flavor to your taste buds and soul.

After about 10 minutes, you can throw away the Dashi. Nothing lasts forever. Then, wash the strainer to remove any excess Dashi and use the strainer again for the miso.

Once the miso has dissolved into the soup, it is ready for consumption.

Don’t forget to add your soft tofu and dried seaweed. Depending on personal preference, you could also add green onions for a different set of textures and flavors.

Chicken Fajitas

The next meal is chicken fajitas, which is easy but requires you to follow some sanitary rules, there are no cutting corners on this recipe. Packed with high protein and vibrant strips of bell peppers, chicken fajitas are a great option for a low cost meal.

Prep time is about 10 minutes, starting by cutting chicken breasts into bite-sized portions.

If there is one thing good that came out of this pandemic, it’s that everyone knows how to practice good hygiene, which is why you should know never to cross-contaminate when you’re dealing with poultry.

Now, before I tell you to slice the chicken into tender strips, I’m going to clue you into a master class lesson in budget buying.

Here it is: learn how to cut a whole chicken. Think of all the meat you just bought from one whole chicken, but this recipe only requires the two chicken breasts, so the rest of the meat can be saved for a future meal.

Then, it’s time to cut the chicken breasts into strips. Reducing the density of the chicken breasts will help it cook faster and increase your portion ratio. After cutting the chicken breasts, season it with your favorite seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper.

Heat your pan until it’s medium-hot and add a teaspoon of oil to cook the chicken.

If you’re in a time crunch, I recommend adding slices of your preferred colored bell peppers and a quarter of a white onion once the chicken appears cooked on the outside.

However, if you’re operating with unlimited time, cooking the vegetables separately is recommended.

The cooking process should only take about 25 to 30 minutes on medium heat. Add a lid between 10-minute intervals to contain the steam for maximum tenderness.

Now that the chicken is cooked, there is nothing left but to consume and reap the rewards.

Pad See Ew

Last but not least is the most complex meal to cook. Pad see ew is a Thai dish composed of chewy flat rice noodles, branches of earthy Gai Lan (Chinese broccoli), garlic, egg (optional), and chicken.

The key to a successful Pad see ew is all about time and heat.

Put your phone down because there will be no downtime when you start cooking the noodles. Have your Gai Lan sliced, garlic chopped, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, vinegar and sugar at hand.

Use the largest pan you have at your disposal. The more space you allow the noodles to move in will yield a better result.

The first step is to cook basic scrambled eggs with garlic to add them to the dish. Set aside the cooked eggs on a plate to add later, and start cooking the noodles.

Rice noodles cook fast and even faster in high heat, so keep your eye on the charred marks on the noodles. The goal is to char the noodles without burning them. Begin with a medium-level flame. Then, add a spoonful of oil, followed by the noodles.

The race has begun, and you have about three minutes to cook the noodles. Add a teaspoon of each sauce along with a spoonful of sugar.

After adding the sauces, crank the heat to the highest level and wait 30 seconds before tossing. Now it’s time to add your Gai Lan. The steam combined with the heat of the noodles will provide an al dente serving.

Maintain the noodles at high heat until you’ve earned those charred stripes I mentioned. Pad see ew is famous for its sweet but charred flavor.

Once the noodles are steaming, all that is left to do is add your egg, leftover chicken and vinegar to balance the bitter flavor of the soy sauce.

ULYSSES VILLA | Daily Forty-Niner

Pad-see-ew, above, is a famous Thai street style dish known for its fast cooking rate and charred, chewy flat rice noodles, great for students who want to eat a quick bite. Miso soup, below, is a Japanese dish made with a tofu, a fish stock called Dashi and dried seaweed. It’s known for its cloudy broth and neutral umami flavor.

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WELLNESS 9

By Kristina Agresta Social Media Editor

Eating a variety of nutritious and healthy food is a large factor in overall health and wellness. Finding healthy restaurants to eat at can be difficult, but these spots have everything from organic coffee and smoothie bowls to indulgent plant-based options.

Hungry Angelina 6420 Pacific Coast Hwy Ste 160, Long Beach, CA 90803 This vegan restaurant is located at the upscale 2nd & PCH shopping center and provides a fun dining experience that is healthy, satisfying, and affordable.

Only 6 minutes away from California State University Long Beach, Hungry Angelina is a great spot for a night out. The “Hungry Burger” is one of the most popular items on the menu, featuring an Impossible patty, their signature “Hungry Sauce,” and a brioche bun for $18. They also offer dishes like “Buffalo Cauliflower” and “Beet Poke” that replicate familiar flavors in innovative plant-based ways. Their specialty desserts are a standout part of the menu, including a gluten-free raw matcha cheesecake for $11.

Grilled Fraiche 2210 N Bellflower Blvd Long Beach, CA 90815 Grilled Fraiche provides a delicious blend of Caribbean flavors and California style while still catering to vegan and vegetarian customers.

With various options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, their menu covers a wide range of interests. Located 3 minutes away from campus, Grilled Fraiche is a perfect spot for lunch between classes. One of their most popular dishes is the “Halal Chicken.” This Caribbean dish served with plantains, vegetables, and rice is popular among customers for its kick of spice. This family-owned restaurant is also inexpensive, with dishes ranging from $4 to $16.

moonbowls

Vibes Cafe

1388 Daisy Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813

76 1/2 62nd Pl, Long Beach, CA 90803

This sustainable, plant-based, gluten-free Korean restaurant is great for exploring Korean classics with a plant-based twist.

They offer a variety of specialty bowls ranging from $13 to $16, including an option to build your own bowl with one of their many plantbased proteins. A popular dish is their “Korean BBQ Cauliflower Wings.” moonbowls is located 14 minutes from campus and offers delivery and pick-up options. These $12 gluten-free wings are shareable and come with a vegan ranch side. Chia puddings and edible cookie dough are also available at this innovative location.

Located on the Alamitos Peninsula, 11 minutes away from campus, Vibes Cafe is a great breakfast and lunch spot featuring great views, specialized coffee, and healthy meal options.

Due to the size of the cafe and limited parking, it is best to secure a spot on their Yelp waitlist and plan parking before heading out to this unique cafe. One of their popular breakfast options is the “Blue Bowl.”

This vegan and gluten-free smoothie bowl, priced at $13, features popular health food ingredients like blue algae powder, passion fruit, and chia. Try one of their many house special lattes or cocktails on the side like the “Lavender Latte” or the “Frozé You Saw on Instagram.”

10 WELLNESS

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | EIC@DAILY49ER.COM

House of Intuition:

ong Beach’s metaphysical stor Photos by JULISSA VILLALOBOS

Tarot card reading, above, is a practice used to gain insight into ones past, present and future. Spirituality means something different to everyone, right.

House of Intuition is a metaphysical store

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | EIC@DAILY49ER.COM

re

e located at 5018 E. Second St. Candles, incense and stones line the walls.

WELLNESS 11 From sage to candles, House of Intuition has everything to meet your spiritual needs.

12 WELLNESS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | EIC@DAILY49ER.COM When done for fun, reading can be an incredibly relaxing activity.

Illustration by Lillian Li

Five books that will reinvigorate your love for reading

By Christal Gaines-Emory and Lillian Li “Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me” by Mariko Tamaki

“Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me” is a graphic novel written by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell. It’s a refreshing take on teenage heartache and LGBTQ+ relationships, foregoing the tired “coming out” trope and diving right into protagonist Frederica “Freddy” Riley’s unhealthy relationship with the titular Laura Dean. However, unlike the toxic relationship story, the true focus is on the effect Laura’s behavior has on Freddy and the relationships with her friends and family. The emotional core of “Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me” is Freddy’s bonds with those who truly matter to her, rather than a romantic interest, which makes the narrative truly unique in the oversaturated market of young adult fiction. The gorgeously illustrated panels, unostentatiously diverse cast, and thoughtful, heartfelt story give the reader an unforgettable experience.

“Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

Despite the massively popular television adaptation, “Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter,” written by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, stands on its own as a hilarious and heartwarming frolic through a biblical apocalypse. The eccentric cast is endearing and the prose is a delightful showcase of Gaiman and the late Pratchett’s celebrated writing skills, with a rotating range of third-person narrators and humorous footnotes. The novel has a sweet, lived-in feeling to it. The friendship shared by protagonists Crowley (a demon) and Aziraphale (an angel), as well as the chemistry between the rest of the characters, makes for charming dialogue. With a disarmingly genuine narrative and comedy around every corner, “Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Anges Nutter” is a striking piece of light-hearted religious satire and a cult classic since the ‘90s.

“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller

“The Song of Achilles,” the debut novel of author Madeline Miller, is a must-read for fans of ancient Greek mythology. Elegantly written in vibrant, captivating prose, “The Song of Achilles” is a retelling of “The Illiad,” focusing on the tragedy of Patroclus—a lonely, exiled prince—and Achilles—one of the greatest heroes of the Trojan War. Rather than recounting the violent and glorious exploits of Achilles’ career, the novel adopts a more withdrawn, humanizing perspective, utilizing the lesser-known Patroclus as its narrator. This approach, paired with Miller’s exceptional writing style, allows the novel to successfully chronicle the intricacies of the two prince’s relationship as well as enrapture readers with a rich world and nuanced politics. “The Song of Achilles” is highly acclaimed, boasting the 2012 Orange Prize for Fiction, and Miller was shortlisted for the 2012 Stonewall Writer of the Year.

“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Sáen

“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” is a coming-of-age novel by author Benjamin Alire Sáen. Published in 2012, this novel features two young boys as they face a variety of struggles regarding race, ethnicity, sexuality, and familial disputes. The novel offers a bright perspective on a familiar story, with a positive representation of the LGBTQ+ community as well as the Latinx community. “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” has won multiple awards including the 2013 Stonewall Book Award, the 2013 Pura Belpre Author Award, and a Printz Honor. This novel is aimed towards young adults, but it offers a unique perspective that readers of all ages will enjoy, along with a heartwarming portrayal of the ups and downs of growing up.

“I am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb

“I am Malala” is a nonfiction memoir depicting the story of Malala Yousafzai in her own words, co-written by Christina Lamb. Yousafzai is the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for her work against the suppression of children and equal access to education. “I am Malala” recounts Yousafzai’s experience fighting for women’s rights in Pakistan and her experience being targeted and shot by the Taliban. After the attempt on her life, Yousafzai became one of the leading advocates for women’s rights all over the world. “I am Malala” is an inspirational and highly impactful memoir encouraging young people to stand up for themselves and for others in the face of adversity. This memoir will inspire people of all ages to see the world in a different light and encourage people to stand up for those whose voices have been silenced.

WELLNESS 13

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | EIC@DAILY49ER.COM

Quick tips to jump back into fitness

By Lillian Li Special Projects Editor

C

onsistently staying active is often a nice idea for many students and members of the workforce, but not necessarily a reality.

There never seem to be enough hours in the day to squeeze in those thirty minutes of exercise, nor does there seem to be the motivation and means to do it. It’s easy to add “work out more” to the New Year’s resolutions list, but actually following through can feel like a Herculean task.

Traditionally, adding physical activity to your routine could involve purchasing a gym membership, joining a fitness class, buying workout equipment, etc. These are perfectly fine and good means of exercise, but for people struggling to jump into the fitness world, there could be any number of reasons why they aren’t accessible.

For example, traditional avenues of exercise like those listed previously may not be affordable for some; moreover, those who struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mental illness that interfere with motivation and public operation can have a hard time starting and sticking to a regular fitness routine.

Regardless of your deterrent, fear not— here are some ideas to keep your body active and moving!

Disclaimer: Please take the safety of yourself and others into account when considering these tips. We are still in a pandemic and must do our part to protect our

LILLIAN LI | Daily Forty-Niner

Walking, fitness games and gardening are great ways to get started working out. communities.

1. Take up gardening!

While not an obvious form of exercise, gardening is rewarding, good for the environment, and active. It’s very physical work, from lifting heavy objects, crouching over planters and weeding, among other activities. Try finding your neighborhood garden or starting your own wherever you live!

Gardening is also a great way to get some fresh air and spend some time away from all the screens and devices in your home.

If you don’t know where to start, there are many resources available on the internet.

For example, “Epic Gardening” is a popular TikTok account that provides tips, tutorials and ideas for gardening.

2. Try a fitness game!

Fitness games are one of the most fun and addicting ways to stay active, provided you have a game console available to you.

“Ring Fit Adventure,” an action RPG where exercise is the main form of combat, is an excellent introduction to fitness. While

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quite the investment, “Ring Fit Adventure” is an entirely customizable and overall delightful experience that encourages players to return each day, even if only for 10 minutes. Another great option is “Just Dance,” a popular party game, featuring dance routines to hit songs. It’s a great experience with friends, if possible, and also boasts a “Just Sweat” mode, which tracks calories.

Classics like Wii Fit, Wii Sports, and Dance Dance Revolution are all viable options as well—with fitness games, it really depends on your preference. Whatever gets you off the couch!

3. Go for a walk!

While going for a walk is not a novel idea, it remains one of the easiest ways to get your body moving. You can spice up your walk by listening to an audiobook or podcast, or you can go for a stroll with friends or family. If you are unable to see them, you could FaceTime them during your walk and encourage them to do the same, simulating the feeling of going for a walk together. Another way to make your walk unique is an app called “The Walk” by Six to Start, which is a fitness tracking app with a gripping story starring you as the protagonist. In the vein of walking, hiking is another option, as well as simply standing more during the day.

Getting out and getting active can be difficult, especially in a pandemic. Many people have found themselves unable and unmotivated to return to exercise after so much time shut inside. Hopefully, these suggestions and tips have provided you with the push you needed to start moving, a little bit at a time!

14 WELLNESS The SRWC: A key resource for wellness

ULYSSES VILLA | Daily Forty-Niner

Many students come to the corner of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center at CSULB to learn how to rock climb

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By Jonathan Bigall Opinions Assistant

F

or mental and physical health, the Long Beach State Student Recreation and Wellness Center offers a multitude of resources to fit the needs of students.

The SRWC will reopen the open recreation area of the gym at the same time in-person classes are returning on Feb. 7, according to MacRae. Besides the exercise equipment inside the gym, the SRWC also organizes events and classes that focus on health and wellness for students to participate in, both in-person and online. Director of the SRWC, Maureen MacRae said that mental health and wellness is a campus-wide priority.

“It’s been a proven fact that physical exercise decreases stress levels, anxiety, helps students with better grades, helps them sleep better and relax,” MacRae said.

“That’s the same for a lot of our wellness activities.”

Yoga for Mental Health For those interested in yoga, the SRWC offers several types of yoga classes. Starting Jan. 27, the SRWC will host “Yoga for Mental Health” from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays.

MacRae describes it as a “gentle and restorative” type of yoga. There are several other types of yoga classes available to students as well as Zumba, pilates, spin classes, and more. There are in-person as well as virtual options for these classes.

Meditation and Matcha The SRWC will host “Meditation and Matcha” from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 15 on the east lawn outside the recreation center.

The event will include yoga, meditation, a sound bath, and the opportunity for students to decorate their own mugs while learning about the benefits of combining meditation and tea. The first 20 students to sign up on the SRWC GO app will also receive a free blanket.

Rec Day A week later, on Feb. 22 at the SRWC, “Rec Day” will take place, and it will include a myriad of activities and games revolving around wellness. This event will also mark the opening of the Shake Smart smoothie shop that will be replacing the Robeks in the recreation center.

A Week to Unwind In the University Student Union, Beach Balance will host “A Week to Unwind” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 21 through Feb. 25 in room 313. Students can sign up for free 20-minute massage chair sessions and receive a free welcome gift.

Students will also be entered into a raffle to win a free massage at the SRWC. There will also be other drop-in wellness activities and opportunities to win different prizes.

Supplies for outdoor activities are available to rent from the SRWC including camping materials like sleeping bags and tents as well as things like surfboards and cold weather gear.

MacRae said that the use of the SRWC is included in the cost of tuition. Even if students aren’t explicitly looking to work out, the SWRC offers activities for everyone.

“This is a very challenging time for everybody, and being proactive to make conscious decisions on working out or joining in a wellness activity is going to help for a person’s mindset,” MacRae said.

More upcoming events hosted by the SRWC and Associated Students Inc. can be found on their online calendar or on the SRWC GO mobile app.

Three ways CSULB students can combat stress

By Christal Gaines-Emory Arts & Life Editor

T

he uncertainty of the pandemic has caused an increase in feelings of stress and anxiety for students all over the world. To combat this negativity, here are three ways students can destress from home in order to improve their mental wellness.

1. Baking Baking saw a spike in popularity at the beginning of the pandemic. Celebrities, such as Jenna Fischer, baked sourdough bread and shared their results on social media, creating a trend. Now, students are baking their own bread, cookies, cupcakes, and more.

Third-year CSULB English literature and composition major Angeles Carbajal Betancourt recently acquired an interest in baking, and she has been pleased with the result of her new hobby.

“Baking has helped me focus and it has really helped with my mental health, especially over winter break,” Carbajal Betancourt said. “I’ve enjoyed being able to create something positive even when I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed.”

Students interested in baking can try easy recipes, such as chocolate chip cookies or banana bread.

These recipes will allow students to unwind by creating a positive, delicious product they are able to share with loved ones.

2. Crocheting Another activity young adults have been pursuing in order to combat stress is crocheting. Crocheting has been proven to relieve feelings of anxiety because the activity requires repetitive movements. According to the Anxiety Resource Center, repetitive movements release serotonin, which helps stabilize moods.

Further, according to a 2016 study in the Journal of Positive Psychology, participating in creative tasks such as crocheting or knitting can have a positive effect on young adults. By putting energy into one creative activity daily, students can decrease their feelings of stress and anxiety, which will help to keep them focused and optimistic.

3. Journaling Last but not least, one activity that has been very popular among teens and young adults in recent years is journaling. Whether it is through bullet journaling, gratitude journaling, or illustrated journaling, this activity allows people to express their thoughts and emotions on a page. Journaling can be an outlet for negative thoughts to be released, reducing stress and inspiring personal and emotional growth.

Freshman liberal studies major Sophia Young began bullet journaling as a recommendation from her therapist. As a result of journaling, Young has become more patient and focused.

“Journaling helps me unravel my thoughts and create clear plans without feeling overwhelmed,” she said. “It’s an efficient way to see your thoughts, devise goals, plan for the day, or destress when your head feels cluttered.”

Also, low cost is one of the many benefits of journaling, as the only true requirements are pencil and paper. There are a variety of prompts for beginners that can improve mental wellness, including journaling about future goals, writing about things to be grateful for, and listing different emotions.

By focusing energy on addressing goals and feelings, it can become easier to handle negative emotions and reduce stress.

During uncertain times, it can be hard to step back and take moments to relax. However, an activity as easy as picking up a pencil to write about the day or baking a tray of chocolate chip cookies can help manage stress and drastically improve mental health.

CHRISTAL GAINES-EMORY | Daily Forty-Niner

Baking is an easy way for students to destress and reduce feelings of anxiety.

WELLNESS 15

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ASHLEY RAMOS | Daily Forty-Niner

Food fuels the body, therefore it is important to listen to its needs.

The art of listening

By Ashley Ramos Editor in Chief

I

had to learn what it meant to listen to your body. The journey was rigorous and extensive, and I still struggle on a daily basis. It takes patience. Some days I don’t want to be patient. Some days I’d rather be brash. Through silence and breathing, I learned a lot about myself.

In high school, I was a dedicated cross country and track athlete. All I wanted was to compete at a Division 1 college. This led me to focus more on my diet which included not eating sweets or spicy chips.

My junior year I made the decision to stop eating dairy products because it made me bloated and I wanted to have abs. At that time, I also limited my gluten consumption because my mom had found out she was celiac which probably meant I was too.

According to Celiac Disease Foundation, Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.

Because I made these small changes to my diet I had noticed that my skin cleared up, I was getting abs and overall just felt better. From there I slowly started focusing on my diet more but it wasn’t perfect. I was still eating things that I didn’t know I should have in limits like eggs.

All of my hard work paid off and I did become a D1 athlete at Long Beach State University. In my freshmen year of college, I ran for the cross country team. That phase was short-lived because I suffered from an intense IT-band injury. I had only made it through half of the season.

I’d wake up in pain from my leg cramping. I could barely walk upstairs or around campus. I was sent to physical therapy with the team’s sports therapist. Every day they’d ask where I was hurting but I was so overwhelmed with school, sports and the pain that I really couldn’t say.

They’d tried everything. I remember the day I was cleared to run. I was so excited to run even just a mile on the grass. But within a few days, I was injured again.

I quit the team and my leg never fully healed.

I spent the following two years not exercising, just stretching. Every time I tried to exercise, the pain would come back.

Stretching was the only thing that grounded me. At first it hurt, my body groaned and ached but eventually, through every breath there was a release.

After a few years, I could finally exercise again. I could then pinpoint exactly where the pain came from. The pain was an accumulation of all my past injuries. It all stemmed from having tight hamstrings and stress. During this time I had also pinpointed that I was intolerant to dairy, gluten and eggs.

Before I wouldn’t eat certain things purely for aesthetics and I’d run through the pain because that’s what I was taught. It wasn’t till my injury that I had finally thanked my body for all it had done.

The injury muted me from hearing my body. Every day I try my best to listen to what I need mentally, physically and emotionally. It took years to find my rhythm again but I can hear it loud and clear now.

16 WELLNESS

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The vicious ways of my chemically imbalanced brain Living with depression is exhausting, but I hope to fully heal one day.

I

By Lauren Ramirez News Editor

t’s been over two years since I’ve been diagnosed with major depressive disorder by a health professional, and I’m still learning how to live with it.

I remember sitting in the doctor’s office waiting for my health results, and hearing the words I’ll never forget: “You’re showing symptoms of depression.”

I sat there in silence for a good minute trying to process the news, but it wasn’t a complete shocker. Oddly enough, I was relieved to hear the answer to what was interfering with my day-to-day life.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is a common illness and has currently affected approximately 280 million people worldwide.

So, without hesitation, I accepted the treatment options of therapy and antidepressants.

In 2019, approximately 66% of adults over the age of 18 struggling with major depressive disorder received treatment, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

To this day, I’m still on antidepressants and they’ve helped me combat the feelings of worthlessness and my waves of sadness.

But, I’ll admit that there are

“

Illustration by Lillian Li

Going on antidepressants was one of the best things Ramirez could’ve done to cope with her depression.

times when I don’t want to get out of bed, and it’s discouraging because it interrupts my healing process. I call those my “bad days.”

All the progress I’ve made over the years starts to feel like it just went down the drain. I feel like I’m going backward.

It’s frustrating to live with depression even when you think you’ve defeated it for good. The feeling of optimism is inexplicable, but it feels great being in control of your mental state.

Then, out of nowhere, my depressive episodes hit me like a truck.

A depressive episode is a period of depression that can last for two weeks where an individual experiences a “low mood or loss of interest in most activities,” according to Ada Health.

From feeling the symptoms of sluggishness to irritability, depression is like a black hole reeling you in to stay in bed all day in order to feel “safe” when you’re actually avoiding tasks.

The severity of a depressive episode varies within each diagnosed individual and without the appropriate treatment, the risk of experiencing further episodes may become higher.

Even today, I have to remind myself to not be so discouraged because of unexpected depressive episodes. They don’t get to erase all my self-progress throughout the years.

There will be days where I feel better about myself than others, and it’s okay to take it easy.

Healing from mental illness is a tedious process, but it’s a journey I’m willing to continue in order to become a strong-minded individual.

It will get better. I will get better.

”

Even today, I have to remind myself to not be so discouraged because of unexpected depressive episodes.

WELLNESS 17

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Universal Healthcare for Californians would help fix major problems in the state

By Vincent Medina News Assistant

A

GISELE ROBINETT | Daily Forty-Niner

California government is proposing state-sponsored healthcare for all residents, which could help the unhoused and relieve debt.

person’s health should never be a second priority, but it is a reality for many Californians.

For people who cannot afford healthcare coverage, paying their rent may come before paying for medical treatment or prescriptions.

Universal healthcare coverage would help solve California’s most significant problems, including debt and homelessness.

California state government is proposing the expansion of Medi-Cal for all state residents, which might give healthcare access to the 3.2 million Californians who remain uninsured.

However, most state residents without an insurance plan claim their finances stand between them and health coverage.

Approximately 37% of uninsured Californians reported that cost is the main reason they do not have health care, according to UCLA’s California Health Interview Survey in 2018.

Unfortunately, California is one of the most expensive states to live in. As a result, residents are forced to choose

between their health or rent.

California residents would not have to make the impossible decision with a state program for universal health care. In addition, taxes cost would not rise for most people, as the program would be paid for by the wealthy.

By giving everyone in California access to healthcare, people will no longer have to choose between money or medicine, which can be crucial in mental health cases.

Suppose a person cannot treat their mental disorder. In that case, they will not maintain a healthy lifestyle and possibly be forced out of their home.

According to the Los Angeles Times, mental illness affects 51% of homeless people in LA County, and substance abuse affects 46%.

Since they have no means to pay for treatment, their conditions will only worsen.

As much as LA officials claim to be working to solve the homelessness crisis, they are doing nothing to fix it.

The Los Angeles Times also found that city services such as the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority are underreporting how many unhoused people suffer from mental conditions.

The city’s Homeless Service Authority said that only 29% of the unhoused showed signs of a mental

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disorder, but the Times found 67% showed signs of mental illness.

County officials believe that a person with an untreated mental or physical illness can maintain a job and pay rent. Should that person ask for help, the county turns its back.

If the homeless had the tools to repair their lives and maintain a healthy lifestyle, they would take it. However, since community services such as the Homeless Service Authority are not helping, the state must provide the solution.

By giving all Californians an option to receive state-funded universal health care, California’s most prominent issues could be fixed.

If the 37% of uninsured Californians who cannot afford coverage had access to universal medical treatment, they would not have to choose between their health and their rent.

With universal healthcare, the homeless who suffer from addiction and mental illness can take back control of their life and get off the street.

Also, with the relief from enormous medical bills, Californians can afford better housing and resources for their families.

Healthcare access is a national issue. By establishing its own universal healthcare system, California could set the standard for healthcare access on a national level.

18 WELLNESS

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Mental diagnosis, the new trend of the internet As “mental health” TikTok videos go viral, relating to issues such as ADHD, depression and anxiety, there seems to be a trend almost advocating for mental disorders on social media.

By Hannah Shields News Assistant

R

aise a hypothetical hand if the following phrase sounds familiar: “Put a finger down challenge, mental health edition.”

For those who have no idea, “put a finger down” is a popular TikTok trend. The host of the video lists off several characteristics or habits and the viewer puts down a finger for every trait they identify with.

At the end of the game, the host tells the viewer the purpose of their result, such as which Hogwarts House they belong in, if they had strict parents, or what mental health condition they might have.

The concern over these videos is the possibility of a self-diagnosis of a mental disorder in young impressionable viewers. Similar videos have done the same for other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.

While these TikToks may create a virtual safe space for the millions of subscribers who consume its mental health content, there seems to be a trend of young adults convincing themselves they have a mental disorder.

Dr. Mark Ragins, a psychiatrist at Long Beach State, says this is the result of a culture with an illness mindset.

“We live in a medical model era where we explain emotional and mental distress as illnesses or conditions,” Ragins said.

Ragins said he often receives students who struggle to pay attention in class or focus on homework assignments, claiming these issues might be related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

“They are expressing their distress using the language of mental illnesses,” Ragins said.

The American Psychological Association (APA) developed the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) for a psychiatrist to use when diagnosing a patient. The manual lists several symptoms which correlate with a mental illness.

If the patient meets a ma-

HANNAH SHIELDS | Daily Forty-Niner

Viral mental health videos on TikTok seem to almost advocate for self-diagnosis of mental disorders such as A.D.H.D., anxiety and depression. jority of the symptoms, they are diagnosed with a mental disorder and are prescribed medication.

Ragins referred to the DSM-5 as a mere “screening tool” at best. The symptom checklists for ADHD seen on TikTok most likely came from the DSM-5, he said.

“Those are just symptoms that correlate with the conditions,” Ragins said. “They are confusing causes with effects.”

What a psychiatrist doesn’t do, he said, is figure out why a patient is experiencing those symptoms in the first place.

The pandemic, for example, has triggered symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to the CSULB psychiatrist. Reported rates of anxiety and depression in adults were four times higher between April 2020 and August 2021 than in 2019.

Younger people, Ragins added, are more likely to admit to cases of anxiety and depression since their generation was more accepting of the idea of mental health issues.

Online mental health care companies, such as Cerebral and BetterHelp, have placed advertisements on TikTok. These companies have made mental health treatment easier to access, as well as online prescriptions for medication.

Medication prescribed for ADHD has doubled within the last decade, according to a 2018 study. The same study revealed there was a 41% increase in ADHD prevalence in U.S. children in 2011 compared to the same prevalence in 2003. This prevalence is anticipated to increase after the 2013 publication of DSM-5, which has broadened to include ADHD diagnosis in adults.

The viral TikTok videos listing symptoms related to ADHD are also treated by stimulants such as Adderall.

“We’re getting more and more people on more and more pills,” Ragins said. “When you look at it, the vast majority of conditions today do have a cause

and we are responsible.”

The causes Ragins referred to included eating too much, not exercising regularly, drinking too much caffeine, smoking too much pot, and so on.

Even when therapists suggest a wellness model with techniques to avoid aggravating mental illness symptoms, there is still an illness-disease mindset. When a person goes on a run with the purpose to avoid depression, the illness mindset is still there.

However, there is a new type of model called the person-centered model.

“That says you are born with whoever you are,” Ragins said.

“And then life happens. Sometimes it’s warm and supportive and you really blossom and grow.

Sometimes it’s traumatic and you end up bent and broken.”

The goal of this form of therapy is to help people learn how to take back control of their own life. Instead of dismissing their issues as a mental health disorder, the individual works with a

therapist to understand why they are experiencing those issues.

“Notice that difference between saying ‘Let’s make a diagnosis and get rid of something’ and ‘Let’s recognize something that is part of me,’” Ragins said.

“Suffering is to be learned from, not necessarily to be gotten rid of.”

People could learn to embrace their imperfections, instead of looking for a pill that alters them to be the person they’re “supposed” to be.

WELLNESS 19 Why student-athlete mental health is critical for success

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Joel Murray opens up about how basketball has made a difference in his life and how he uses it to deal with his mental health in a positive manner.

By Thomas Murray Sports Editor

M

ental health is a topic that can be challenging for any individual. For student-athletes, feeling mentally defeated can be very common as a result of constant stress to perform well in games while also being a full-time stu-

dent.

Third-year transfer basketball player Joel Murray, who plays guard and is a civil engineering major, opened up about how playing basketball has made an impact on his mental health and how he finds it as an escape from reality.

“When you’re in that kind of moment, and that kind of zone, like, you don’t really think of all the other things that are going on in your life,” Murray said. “It’s hard to describe, but once you’re in them, when you’re in that zone, and you can look back and say yeah, I wasn’t really thinking too much. I was just playing basketball.”

Murray believes that playing basketball does a lot for him, not only as an athlete but also as a normal person with everyday struggles. Murray takes what he learns from the court and uses it to improve his life skills outside of basketball.

“Using a sport to kind of maneuver and trying to figure out different aspects of your life really benefits you in many different ways that you don’t really know until certain circumstances pop up,” Murray said.

The off-season takes away Murray’s chance at an escape from reality as the team is not playing competitive basketball.

However, during his offseason, Murray found himself at many local parks in the area, to just get out and shoot the ball. He uses this as a positive reinforcement for his mental health.

“In the offseason, it’s good to mix it up every now and then change locations and just find different ways to enjoy the game of basketball,” Murray said.

Murray believes that being mentally prepared for a sport is just as important as playing it well.

“It’s more than just play the sport or the game that you’re doing, it’s more that goes on outside of your circumstances within your sport,” Murray said. “I feel like it’s a big role, and taking that next step and then making sure everybody is mentally capable of performing and also being happy outside of the sport that they’re playing.”

Head coach Dan Monson agrees with Murray that sports are a great way to escape from reality when life gets tough. Monson admits he wasn’t aware of how important an athlete’s mental health was when he first started coaching 30 years ago.

Monson has taken many steps into ensuring his team is mentally prepared, so he came up with the idea of “personal growth Mondays” for his team.

Every Monday, Monson approaches it as a way for the team to get mentally better and to take a step back and learn about life. Monson typically has a sports psychologist come and speak to the team to make sure they are in the right mindset.

Besides getting his players in the right mindset, he will teach them about life by inviting financial advisors to come and speak to his players or even Long Beach’s police chief to try and help his players grow as individuals.

“I think when you recruit student-athletes, their parents are trusting you with a young adult,” Monson said.

“Four years later, you have to give them back a full-grown adult ready to cope with the world and, be able to support more than just themselves.”

Part of personal growth Mondays is talking to the players every week and helping them take care of themselves as young adults. Some ways Monson and the team do this is by teaching them about eating the right foods for a healthy state of mind or getting a full eight hours of sleep so they’re mentally prepared for the next day.

Monson believes that playing sports gives young student-athletes a sense of purpose and teaches them discipline.

“I think athletics is a microcosm of society, and you have to learn how to handle setbacks, handle defeat, bounce back and, continue, to compete and continue to believe in

“

TYLER SAKATANI | Daily Forty-Niner

No. 11 Joel Murray driving in the ball against a Loyola Marymount University defender.

Using a sport to kind of maneuver and trying to figure out different aspects of your life really benefits you in many different ways that you don’t really know until certain circumstances pop up Joel Murray

LBSU basketball player

yourself,” Monson said.

LBSU associate director of Student-Athlete Wellness Jarrod Spanjer has worked for Long Beach State for the last 10 years and believes student-athletes mental health is a big topic that has started to grow over the years.

“We try to raise awareness that it is normal to seek help,” Spanjer said. “If you sprained your ankle, you go get help. Well, if you’ve got something going on, mentally, you need help, we’re here to support you.”

Spanjer believes when superstar athletes like Lebron James talk about dealing with mental health, it helps make the conversation and topic easier for athletes who might be

afraid to open up about the situation.

One issue that Spanjer faces is finding athletes who are going through mental health problems. What he does to identify them is throughout the season, he comes to practices and will tell players what the Student Wellness Center is and is constantly encouraging them to utilize the facility.

“I think the thing is to try to normalize [seeking help], so we [speak to athletes] multiple times throughout the year,” Spanjer said.

Spanjer mentioned the Wellness center provides many ways for student-athletes to meet with sports psychologists as they offer meetings in a private room, on zoom or they will even have the psychologist come and speak to the athlete in the trainer’s room.

LBSU Athletic Director Andy Fee believes that a student’s mental well-being is an important part of being a student-athlete. While Fee does believe that sports are a great release from everyday life and struggles, he understands that mental health is a serious aspect, and he prides the Long Beach program for its participation in mental health awareness.

Mental health awareness is something Fee will mention to student-athletes when it comes down to the recruitment process at Cal State Long Beach.

“I spend time talking about our medical staff, and sports medicine staff and the resources that we have, because I get questions from parents like ‘Well, what resources do you have around mental health?’” Fee said. “I’ve gotten more questions about that the last three years when I’ve talked to parents than I did 20 plus years of my career prior to that.

So we know how important it is.”

Spanjer stated that he is always looking for ways to improve student-athletes’ mental health, which is why he is constantly looking into revaluating his program.

“I think we do a good job, we can always do a better job. And that’s why we’re constantly reevaluating our program,” Spanjer said. “We are constantly meeting with different people trying to explore new options.”

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