The mental health crisis among college students has been escalating at an alarming rate. One in 3 college students reported receiving psychological or mental health services, with one in 5 indicating that depression impacted their academic performance, and a quarter receiving a positive score on a suicidal screening. These findings were reported in the American College Health Association’s Fall 2023 National College Health Assessment, which surveyed 24,473 students at 38 institutions.

Sarah Lipson, an associate professor at Boston University’s School of Public Health, said in a CNN report, “About 75% of lifetime mental health problems will onset by the mid-20s, so that means that the college years are a very epidemiologically vulnerable time.”

College students are at a vulnerable stage in their lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue, bringing the crisis into sharper focus. The Centers for Disease Control reported that mental health treatment became more common over the course of the pandemic: Nearly 22% of adults got mental health treatment in 2021, up from about 19%. However, despite increased awareness, many universities have yet to implement policies that prioritize mental health, such as excused mental health days.

A mental health day is a personal day off to help rejuvenate people’s mental health. Implementing mental health days can have numerous benefits. These days off would allow students to manage acute stress, prevent burnout, and maintain a healthier balance between their academic and personal lives. By giving students time to recharge, universities can cultivate an environment where students are more engaged and motivated.

Why students are overwhelmed

From students’ point of view, balancing academic responsibilities and mental health can be incredibly challenging. According to HowtoLearn.com CEO Jack Tai, a full-time student with a 15-credit course load typically spends 15 hours in the classroom and 30 to 45 hours studying and doing homework each week. This workload, combined with extracurricular activities, can lead to burnout.

Another college student interviewed by CNN described her struggle with mental health, saying she felt overwhelmed by the number of assignments piling up. This situation is not unique; many students find themselves in similar predicaments, leading to exhaustion and mental health struggles. Without proper mental health days, students are forced to choose between attending classes while mentally unwell or facing potential academic penalties for absences. This can create a vicious cycle of stress and deteriorating mental health.

How Mental Health Days Work

When students need a mental health day off, an email to the professors is all that would be necessary. They should not have to go to the university counseling center or a health provider to get an excuse if they do not want to, This straightforward process would allow students to use their time by taking care of their mental health, rather than focusing on all the steps required for their absence to be marked as excused. Every student at the university would be granted these mental health days off, so a written doctor’s note would not be necessary.

Research has shown that mental health days can significantly improve students’ focus, learning capabilities, and emotional regulation. These benefits contribute to higher academic performance and overall well-being.

Faculty and Institutional Challenges

The need for mental health days is clear but implementing them is challenging. Some professors and administrators come from a time when mental health issues were less openly discussed. Mental health was often considered a taboo subject, and this cultural lag can result in a lack of understanding and support for current students’ needs.

However, many educators are willing to adapt. Jessica Calarco, a sociologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has modified her teaching philosophy to focus on giving students the opportunity to learn rather than merely holding them accountable for specific outcomes.

This approach, she told Inside Higher Ed, encourages students to take care of their mental health, ultimately enhancing their ability to learn effectively.

Absence policy at PennWest creates stress

At PennWest University, the lack of acknowlement for mental health needs must be addressed. The 2024-2025 student handbook emphasizes strict attendance policies, leaving little room for mental health considerations. “Students are expected to attend each class meeting in its entirety. Faculty members shall maintain a record of classroom attendance throughout the semester, and the student is responsible for verifying their attendance when arriving late to class and/or justifying early departure.”

The policy does not recognize mental health days as excused absences. It states, “Activities to be recognized as an excused absence include but are not limited to scheduled athletic competitions; academic competitions in which the student is a participant; military duties; auto accidents; death of an immediate family member; and medical emergencies.”

This strict policy can deter students from taking necessary mental health days, thereby exacerbating their struggles.

Legislative Efforts and Future Directions

Some states have already recognized the importance of mental health days. For example, Illinois allows public school students to take five mental health days each school year without requiring a doctor’s note. Similarly, Pennsylvania’s Senate Bill 506, grants public school students up to two wellness days per semester. Though this bill doesn’t currently extend to college students, it represents a step in the right direction.

Universities like PennWest don’t need to wait for state legislation to take action. They can proactively implement policies that allow students to take mental health days. These policies should include clear guidelines on the number of days permitted and an easy process for students to notify their professors. Additionally, universities should provide resources and support for students who may need more than the allotted mental health days. This could include counseling services and academic accommodations tailored to their needs.

Moving Forward

The conversation around mental health in education is changing, but more needs to be done. Universities must recognize that mental health is as crucial as physical health. Offering mental health days is a practical, compassionate step that can significantly improve students’ well-being and academic performance.

As Dr. Calarco noted, “Giving students days off results in more effective learning because if the student takes a mental health day to catch up on sleep or do activities that they enjoy, they will be ready to come back to the classroom and learn.”

It’s time for institutions like PennWest University to take this lesson to heart and implement policies that support the mental health of their students.

By adopting a more flexible and understanding approach, universities can help students thrive both academically and personally. The mental health crisis is a complex issue, but with thoughtful policies and a commitment to student well-being, PennWest can help its students achieve the mental wellness needed for academic and personal success.

About the writer: Kayla Wolff is a junior majoring in Veterinary Technology at PennWest California.