Give Fall Mental Health Leave to College Students
Monday October 10th is World Mental Health Day. According to the World Health Organization, the purpose of the day is to raise awareness about mental health issues. It is important to help people who suffer from mental illness not feel alone.
Connecticut colleges and universities must recognize October 10th as a holiday and not hold classes on that day.
I am a full-time graduate student at Central Connecticut State University. I work on campus and am also a dog sitter. This can be difficult to balance with classes and spending time with friends. We could all use our breaks.
Based on the Fall 2022 State University Academic Calendar, there are no holidays between Labor Day and the start of the Thanksgiving break. October 10th is an ideal time to give students a day off, as most students’ midterm exams at CCSU begin on his October 24th.
Many college students struggle to maintain their mental health. According to the American Psychological Association’s “Stress in America 2021” study, Gen Z adults in her college age group, ages 18 to 23, report significant stress levels. Eighty-seven percent of her Gen Z students surveyed in her 2020 survey said education was a major stressor. Students need rest so they don’t burn out.
Additionally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in June 2020 that one in four 18- to 24-year-olds had “serious suicidal thoughts” in the past 30 days. At this age, the brain is not fully developed, so they are more likely to act impulsively, especially under severe stress. and shows how important it is for students to step back from the pressures of life.
Especially new students have a hard time in the fall semester. Everyone’s ability to transition smoothly from high school to college varies, but last year’s first-year college survey of student engagement found that 53% of his first-year students reported a significant increase in mental and emotional fatigue. doing. Taking a break right before midterms gives students extra sleep, more time to hit the gym, more time to study, and less stress.
Universities may argue that students do not need additional leave because they have enough time off during the spring semester, which includes spring break. However, some people experience seasonal affective disorder in the fall. According to the Yale Department of Psychiatry, SAD affects 11 million Americans each year. Symptoms are similar to depression and can affect mood, energy and sleep patterns. Lack of sunlight can contribute to SAD as dark hours increase in the fall.
You can let your students know that your university supports their mental health by skipping classes on World Mental Health Day on October 10th. Each person experiences a unique college journey, but all students become overwhelmed at some point and need a day to regroup.
Isabella Alfano is a graduate student in the Department of Communications at Central Connecticut State University.
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