As a student, I have seen my fellow peers grappling with anxiety, depression, and unprecedented levels of stress. Often, these struggles are not palpable; they remain hidden under the surface, and it requires an intimate understanding of a person to detect these manifestations of mental health problems. To many, the shame and fear of judgment associated with admitting to these battles is overwhelming, causing them to remain silent.

Students must not feel alone or embarrassed about their mental health struggles anymore. More needs to be done to raise awareness about the seriousness of this issue that is adversely affecting our lives. School, a place where we spend a majority of our time, should harbor an environment that promotes comfort and support.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 U.S. youth aged 13-18 experiences a severe mental disorder at some point during their life. Yet, many schools lack the necessary resources to address these issues adequately, leaving students to cope on their own. We need to reform this, to guarantee that students have access to professional help when they need it most.

We must advocate for mental health days to be recognized in schools. Taking a mental health day should not be seen as a luxury, but a necessity for students grappling with these invisible battles. We must shed light on the reality of mental health issues among students, ensure they feel understood, and provide them with the necessary support and resources.

Join this fight for better mental health provisions in our schools. Sign this petition to endorse the implementation of mental health days and to increase resources for mental health support in schools. We must ensure that no student feels alone in their struggle. Let's make our schools a safer space for everyone.