Hello Prairie State College community —
My name is Larriell Knight, I am currently a sophomore majoring in Early Childhood Education here at Prairie State. I write to you not only as a student but as a mother of four, wife, and a full time employee, all while attending college. It is from this unique and often overwhelming position that I share my deep concerns for mental health issues that affect many of us in this community.
As I struggle with my own mental health challenges, I have come to understand the significant impact that stress, responsibility, and the weight of expectations can have on our well-being. In developing a research paper on mental health it brought about major concern for my fellow peers and myself. I used to think that I was the only one facing mental health issues, but after doing research, I realized I was wrong! The effect weighs so heavily on college students that the Illinois State University Student Government Association, led by Eduardo Monk, worked with lawmakers to propose a bill to grant mental health days for college students.
Recent research studies have shown an increasing number of mental health issues in college students due to Covid-19. Over 90% of College Students’ mental health was negatively Impacted by COVID-19. I’m sure all of you can agree. During the pandemic we were all isolated from family, in person learning and all the social interactions that are essential for our well-being. In addition, suicide increased in colleges in the United States which is extremely disheartening.
Recognizing that Illinois has started providing help for college students mental health, as stated in the Illinois General Assembly Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act (110 ILCS 58/) and there are other sources available like NAMI’s help line; college students need immediate relief and more PROFOUND mental health support similar to the Illinois General Assembly Public Health Act that gives K-12 students five mental health days, with no question asked.
I’m asking as a community that we STRONGLY consider mental health days for college students. Mental health days are not only beneficial for college students’ well being0, but could also prevent college dropouts as we learn from a new Gallup-Lumina study that college students are considering dropping out, due to mental health . It’s crucial to acknowledge that seeking help is not a weakness; rather, it’s a vital step toward well-being. Mental health is a serious issue that deserves our attention and action. If implementing mental health days can make positive differences in college students’ lives, then why not take that step? Let’s work together to prioritize mental health and support one another!
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Larriell Knight