Monday 10 October is World Mental Health Day. According to the World Health Organization, the purpose of this day is to create awareness on mental health issues. It’s important to support people struggling with mental illness so they don’t feel like they’re suffering alone.
Connecticut colleges and universities must recognize Oct. 10 as a holiday and not hold classes on that day.
I am a full-time graduate student at Central Connecticut State University. I work on campus and am dog sitting, which can be difficult with classwork and spending time with friends. I am far from alone. We can all use a break.
According to the academic calendar of the State University Fall 2022There are no days off between Labor Day and the beginning of Thanksgiving. Midterms for most CCSU students begin on October 24th, so October 10th would be a good time to give students the day off.
Many college students struggle to maintain mental health. As of 2011 American Psychological Association Stress in America 2021 StudyGen Z adults, the college age group of 18 to 23, reported the highest levels of stress. Genealogy students who have been surveyed for the 2020 study, 87% of them said that their studies are stressful. Students need rest days to prevent burnout.
Also, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in June 2020, one in four people aged 18-24 “It’s seriously considered extermination.” In the last 30 days. At this age, The brain is not fully developed, so there is a high probability of moving emotionally, especially under severe stress. This alarming statistic conveys how important it is for colleges and universities to recognize October 10 as a day off for students to take a break from the pressures of life.
Freshmen struggle especially in the fall semester. The ability to transition smoothly from high school to college is different for everyone, but last year The first college survey of student engagement, 53 percent of first-year students reported significant increases in mental and emotional exhaustion. A day off before midterms allows students to get more sleep, go to the gym, have time to study more — and reduce stress.
Universities argue that students don’t need an extra holiday because they have more time off during the spring semester than during spring break. However, the fallout is when some people experience seasonal affective disorder. As of 2011 Yale Department of PsychiatrySAD affects up to 11 million Americans each year. The symptoms are similar to depression and can affect mood, energy and sleep patterns. As the hours of darkness increase in autumn, the lack of sunlight contributes to SAD.
Celebrating World Mental Health Day on October 10th with a day off from class lets students know their university supports them and communicates their mental health. Everyone’s college journey is unique, but all students are overwhelmed at some point and need a day to regroup.
Isabella Alfano is a graduate student in communications at Central Connecticut State University.
[ad_2]
Source link