Campus Wellness Days

This semester, Meredith College is joining the growing number of American colleges and universities scheduling wellness days, in which classes are canceled in an effort to address student mental health concerns. While it is a nice gesture, many individuals, myself included, don’t see this as a complete solution.

It is no secret that many students are struggling with their mental health. In 2022, the American Psychological Association  noted the Healthy Minds Study, which found that over 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health condition. The most recent results of the National College Health Association’s National College Health Assessmement indicate that 20% of students responded that they experience “severe” psychological distress based on the Kessler 6 Non-Specific Psychological Distress Scale. In an interview with PBS affiliate WGBH, Markie Pasternak, senior manager for Active Minds, called the show of care for students signaled by wellness days, helps foster a positive culture surrounding mental health. However, the rise of mental health days has become a rather criticized method of addressing this crisis, at least in isolation. Speaking to PBS affiliate WGBH, Professor Roska from the University of Virginia recommends other measures, such as flexibility in deadlines and changes to grading.

It is also worth noting the difficulties accessing mental health care, even for college students who have health services on campus. The Mental Health Coalition reports that “demand for counseling services is growing 5 times faster than average student enrollment” and that factors like stigma and lack of knowledge about resources keep students from seeking help. They report that only a quarter of students who experience mental health challenges seek treatment. 

As for me, I am grateful for the day off. College often feels overwhelmingly fast-paced, and the ability to slow down, even for a day, is appreciated. However, what struggling students need more than anything is accessible, quality mental health care. 

By Haidyn Scott, Contributing Writer