"Mental health is just as important as physical health." This quote simply indicates that mental and physical health are of equal importance. So, if you also have a mental illness, it is just as valid as a physical pain. Your emotions are totally valid.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a huge increase in mental health problems. In addition, according to a poll conducted by the Movement for Safe, Equitable, Quality, and Relevant Education, or SeQuRe, 54.7 percent of students said that distance learning had an impact on their physical and mental health.

In addition, according to another poll performed by SeQuRe, 40% of students no longer desire to complete their education online. 21 percent disagree, with the remaining 39 percent uncertain. The causes for their survey responses include extended periods of screen time that fatigue their eyes, little sleep, and irregular meals as a result of a mound of schoolwork with little time given to accomplish.

A long period of staring at a screen and being bombarded with information is already mentally exhausting for online classes. Virtual tiredness is real, and it may cause worry or tension in students and instructors alike.

Not only were these issues present, but something even worse occurred. If you've been following the news, you'll know that two Saint Louis University students committed themselves as a result of the amount of work they had to do at school. This tragedy, if not addressed promptly, might result in additional deaths in the Philippines.

And that is the reason why we chose this petition – Mandatory Academic Break for Mental Health. Students have been focusing on nothing but their academic responsibilities that they sometimes forget to also take a rest and have fun. Giving students a vacation after a long time of studying every quarter is a huge benefit in terms of refreshing their minds. A week of vacation will allow students to do their hobbies without worrying about school work, as well as spending their week with their friends and family.

The goal of this petition is to advocate for the implementation of mandatory academic breaks every quarter during the school year, which last a week. Everyone will have time to relax and unwind as a result of this petition, and they will be able to have some fun. This will assist not only students, but also teachers. Thank you so much! We hope you will sign this petition and join us in our battle for change. If you can share the petition after signing it, you would be much assisting us in raising awareness.