Related
Youre on stage in front of 20,000 people.
Millions more watch from their homes.
Youre lining up a shot that could win you the best part of a million dollars.
Do you feel the pressure?
Nana Owusu is a mental health clinician by trade.
After supporting FIFA, Owusu was asked back to create a Calm Room forApex Legends tournaments, too.
But initially, players werent receptive to the idea.
There wasn’t much use of the Calm Room with Apex in the beginning, she says.
But over the years, having been a familiar face for the players has developed that trust.
What Is A Calm Room And How Does It Help?
Owusus Calm Room has low lighting, plants, and a table covered with bits and pieces.
There are little cards and stress balls with affirmations written on them.
Photo courtesy of EA and Joe Brady
All of the players are free to take these with them, and many do.
“Sometimes I move from being the mental health specialist therapy to the maternal.”
For some, they have anxiety, Owusu says.
There’s language barriers.
Many players come to her with other problems, too.
But Owusus service is not just for the players and coaches.
“Im just doing that basic psychoeducation around physical health and mental health, and connecting those two.”
There’s been relationship issues with their fan girls, she explains.
The Impact On Players
Owusu sees different players at different times to help with different issues.
Others use it as a secret weapon to relax before a match.
Whatever the issue, she reminds players of the fundamentals of self-care as well as offering more specialist advice.
We always forget Maslow’s hierarchy of basic needs, she says.
Photo courtesy of EA and Joe Brady
If you’re not fed, watered, how is your body going to rest and sleep and repair?
So Im just doing that basic psychoeducation around physical health and mental health, and connecting those two.
Sometimes, players are in such situations that Owusu advises they seek longer-term help.
Shes happy to tell me that players have taken her advice.
One has started seeing a therapist regularly on her recommendation, and another is pursuing an ADHD diagnosis.
Shes also closer at hand if needed in extreme circumstances.
Photo courtesy of EA and Joe Brady.
But the best thing for her is overhearing conversations where players are discussing the Calm Room with each other.
“I’ve seen the other side of gaming.”
A couple of them say, I don’t want to talk about my feelings, she says.
But before they know it, they’re talking about their feelings without knowing it.
It’s all to do with that stigma.
However, Owusu also notes that it has changed her perception of gaming.
There is obviouslyresearch around children with ADHD, that gaming can actually exacerbate certain symptoms.
For prolonged periods when he’s on a game, I’ve seen the difference in his behaviour.
It’s really shown me the other side of it and it’s about getting that balance right.
When young adults are in such stressful situations, they need all the support they can get.
And thats what Owusu provides.
