Chicago Cubs Mental Health Night, through the eyes of BC2M students.
By BC2M
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we celebrated a powerful moment at Wrigley Field in Chicago, one that showed what can happen when students have meaningful spaces to talk about mental health and when trusted role models help lead the way.
Earlier this month, 40 students and 5 staff members from the BC2M Club at Lincoln-Way West High School in New Lenox, Illinois, attended the Chicago Cubs’ Mental Health Night. The group began the evening with a meet-and-greet and Q&A with BC2M Ambassador, Happ Foundation founder, and Chicago Cubs player Ian Happ, who spoke openly about his own mental health struggles and the coping tools he uses.
Students also took photos with Ian on the field, received signed baseballs, watched batting practice, saw their Club featured on the Jumbotron when Ian was up to bat, and enjoyed a memorable night together at the ballpark.
A once-in-a-lifetime moment.
For Chrissy, the Lincoln-Way West School Social Worker and BC2M Club Advisor, the experience was deeply meaningful for her students and the Club community.
“This opportunity was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of moment for our students. Most of the students in our Club are athletes and have a strong passion for mental health awareness. Being able to hear first-hand from an elite level athlete on strategies to manage his emotions and witnessing his vulnerability and honesty when sharing about his own mental health and strategies and supports he utilizes helped normalize seeking help when needed and prioritizing mental wellness. Being Cubs fans and experiencing the magic of Wrigley Field, batting practice, watching the players while they prepare mentally and physically before a game, and then seeing them play were all memories these students and our staff will carry with us for a lifetime. We are so thankful to BC2M for coordinating this opportunity and to Ian Happ and his foundation for making this come to life for us! We are all Ian fans for who he is as a person, athlete and for his advocacy! Thank you Ian Happ and BC2M!” — Chrissy, MSW, LCSW, PEL
Seeing mental health in real life.
BC2M Clubs help students start conversations about mental health in their schools. Experiences like Chicago Cubs Mental Health Night give students the opportunity to see those conversations modeled outside the classroom, too.
“These experiences help take our conversations from learning about mental health to seeing it applied in real life situations. It helped emphasize the importance of de-stigmatizing mental health concerns so that we can promote living a full and healthy life. It also showed that it’s very common to struggle emotionally/mentally at times in our life and that real strength is exemplified by seeking help and implementing strategies to promote mental health wellness. Ian’s message about redefining mental toughness was powerful, and I know many of our members will carry that message into their daily life while in high school and beyond.” — Chrissy
“Pro athletes are still human.”
For students, meeting Ian Happ and hearing him speak openly about mental health helped make the topic feel even more real.
“Meeting Ian Happ was an amazing opportunity that I took in. Hearing him talk about mental health reminded me that even though they are pro athletes, they are still human just like the rest of us; trying to succeed in where our paths led us. He reminded me that everyone is fighting their own battle and to find that person to talk to about them, and do not conceal your problems.” — Zach, Senior
“Meeting Ian and hearing him speak openly on his mental health really put its importance into perspective for me. It made me realize that everybody experiences mental health struggles whether you see it or not. Being a part of BC2M has changed my understanding of mental health and the stigma around it. Having this opportunity and hearing all of Ian’s advice and experiences has bettered my view and has brought me a more positive mindset that I will continue to carry with me.” — Karli, Junior
Student athletes felt seen.
Many of the Lincoln-Way West BC2M Club members are athletes themselves, which made Ian’s message especially powerful. His honesty gave students a chance to connect the tools they use in sports with the tools that support mental wellness.
“Meeting Ian Happ was such a cool experience and hearing him talk about mental health really made the athletes feel seen in my opinion! He made some points that were very relatable and useful! Something Ian said that stuck with me was his strategy of visualization! He explained how in order to be successful you need to visualize yourself being successful! This strategy is also super important to me because I use this in my sport as well!” — Kiah, Junior, Vice President and 2026–2027 President
“My favorite part of the Cubs Mental Health Night was watching my favorite team play baseball. The Cubs Mental Health Night reminded me to reflect on every day and meditate after every wrestling match.” — Kellan, Freshman, Student Leader
Practical tools students can carry forward.
In addition to sharing his own experience, Ian talked with students about practical strategies that can support mental health, including visualization, journaling, and regular check-ins with trusted people.
“Something that stuck with me that Ian Happ said is that he weekly meets/checks in with people about his mental health. This is a good reminder that everyone needs someone they can talk to, and it is a good practice for a healthy state of mind. Another thing he said that stuck with me is to journal. I think journaling is very helpful to your mental health and to get it down but talking to someone is even better because you can get feedback from them.” — Jonathan, Sophomore
A moment of recognition.
For students, the night was also a chance to see their Club recognized for the work they are doing to make their school community more welcoming and supportive.
“My favorite part of the Cubs Mental Health Night was our Club being recognized for the work and care we put into our school to make it a welcoming community. The anticipation we had for Ian to come up to bat so we could cheer for him and be featured on the Jumbotron was so exciting to be a part of. I’m so happy that more people will get to know about Bring Change to Mind and see the effort that we and Clubs across the nation put into our schools.” — Maura, Junior, Vice President for 2026–2027
Bringing mental health conversations to life.
The Chicago Cubs’ Mental Health Night was a powerful reminder of what BC2M Clubs make possible. When students have spaces to talk about mental health, when trusted adults support those conversations, and when role models help normalize vulnerability and seeking support, mental health education becomes something students can see, feel, and carry with them.
Thank you to Ian Happ, the Happ Foundation, the Chicago Cubs, and the Lincoln-Way West BC2M Club for showing what it looks like when mental health conversations come to life.
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