According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression and anxiety soared by a full 25% during the surge of COVID-19 cases and subsequent quarantines and lockdowns. Experts have long said that diagnoses of mental health issues are likely vastly underreported, and one slim silver lining of the COVID-related spike has been an increase in discussion, awareness, and understanding, a decrease of stigma and shame that prevent people from seeking treatment, and an improvement in the quantity and quality of services available. 

Now, students are rallying for more acceptance of their mental health problems, including the ability to take excused absences from classes when they're struggling. 

Are you a university or college student whose education has been unfairly impacted because of absences? Call the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team at 888.535.3686 or send a message by clicking here.  

An Already Stressful Scenario 

Especially for traditional students experiencing independence for the first time, college typically is an exciting era filled with new friends, a plethora of parties and social events, and the thrill of studying what truly interests them. But that doesn't mean they don't feel pressure during this period.  

In fact, college can be one of the most stressful times of someone's life—and in 2022, The American College Health Association found that over 77% of students reported significant mental health challenges. The combination of rigorous academic requirements, a busy schedule, and temptations galore—to drink excessively, to try drugs, to skip class when no one is goading them to go—causes stress for virtually every student.  

College Students' Mental Health Is a Major Problem 

Even more affected are those students already contending with levels of depression and anxiety ranging from mild to debilitating. They need additional time to tend to their mental health, and all too often, those hours or days come at the expense of their attendance records. 

Instructors understand that in addition to catching colds, suffering migraines, getting stomach flu, and oversleeping, students sometimes make poor decisions leading to missed classes. Course policies allow for a small number of these unexcused absences. Additional absences, however, can drag down a student's overall grade, no matter how well they're faring academically.  

Eventually, a student could face serious consequences, including suspension or even dismissal. 

The Benefits of Mental Health Days 

Taking time off from responsibilities to rest, recharge, and rejuvenate confers many advantages, including: 

• Improved attitude and morale 
• Better physical health 
• Reduced symptoms of burnout, including loneliness 
• Improved resiliency  
• Increased productivity 

For already-struggling students, a respite from day-to-day stress can prevent crises such as major depressive episodes or panic attacks, as well as unhealthy coping tactics like self-harm, self-medicating with drugs, or withdrawing from others. 

What's more, the occasional mental health day may stop students from taking leaves of absence, allowing them to graduate on time—or at all. 

Have you been treated poorly or discriminated against because of your mental health, or faced sanctions for taking much-needed time off? Contact the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm by calling 888.535.3686 or clicking now.