Loyola University Chicago students need mental health days.

Loyola University Chicago offers mental health resources through the Wellness Center. However, these resources do not always feel accessible, with limited appointments and numerous pre-appointment tasks. The Wellness Center only gives a certain amount of therapy sessions before referring students to an outside therapist, which is a luxury most college students cannot afford. 

A recent study found that 1 in 3 college students experience significant depression and anxiety. This statistic, provided by the Mayo Clinic, is very alarming. Additionally, the APA wrote, "College students today are juggling a dizzying array of challenges, from coursework, relationships, and adjustment to campus life to economic strain, social injustice, mass violence, and various forms of loss related to COVID-19" (Abrams 1). As these articles show, college students have to deal with a lot right now. Sometimes, we just need a break. 

"No questions asked" mental health days could improve the well-being of Loyola students. 12 states have already passed legislation that permits mental health days for school-age students, Illinois being one of them. From the states where this legislation has been enacted, there have already been mental health improvements. CNBC reported: "77% of parents who have let their child take a mental health day on their own, feel the day had a positive impact. Instead of a typical school day, children spent the day talking about their feelings, spending time in nature or just relaxing" (Onque 1). Taking a mental health day promotes reflection and relaxation, both of which are important for recharging. As a college student, just one day to recharge would drastically improve my academic performance and overall mental health. Dr. Reed, as the new president of Loyola University Chicago, we kindly ask that you please let students have 3 mental health days per semester.