The comic opens up about the mental health struggles that led to her departure ahead of season 48.
Melissa Villasenoropened up about the decision to step away fromSaturday Night Live.
“It was my decision.
Melissa Villaseñor on ‘Saturday Night Live’.Will Heath/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
“At the end of the day it was about my mental health.”
The comedian said she struggled with panic attacks during the last season.
“I was struggling,” she said.
“I always felt like I was on the edge of a cliff every week.
And I was like, I don’t want to be doing that to myself anymore.”
Villasenor continued, “It’s not like the show was mean towards me or anyone.
It was just how I handle things.
I think I’m an introvert.
I get nervous, like, where do I fit?
What am I supposed to do?
That’s how I was in high school, too.
And so I think that’s what caused it.”
That’s not to say the decision came easy.
“There was just something telling me, I think I could part ways.
It was super hard because I love Lorne [Michaels, creator ofSNL]!”
“And I am so grateful for all of them for having me.
And I shared with them that this was my kid dream.
This is all I wanted as a kid.
They’re in this segment.'
I’m just embracing everything more.
I think when I got this show and they’re like, ‘Oh, the first Latina.’
I was like, ‘Hey, no, don’t pressure me!’
I’m second generation, I’m so Americanized.
And I’m like, ‘Oh God, I hope I’m good enough.
I hope I did a good job and I tried my best.'”
