As the school year approaches in Ohio, a new proposal aims to give students a much-needed tool to address their well-being: mental health days. With only three weeks left before classes resume, state senator Willis Blackshear Jr. has introduced a bill that would allow Ohio students to take up to three excused absences each academic year specifically for mental health reasons. The initiative is designed to remove the stigma surrounding mental wellness and treat it with the same importance as physical health, encouraging early intervention and support for young people.
Blackshear emphasized the importance of being proactive when it comes to mental health. According to him, ignoring the struggles that students face can result in noticeable declines in academic performance, behavior, and overall well-being. He explained that unaddressed issues often surface in test scores, classroom interactions, and students' general attitudes, making it essential to create avenues where they can care for their mental state without fear of punishment or misunderstanding.
The bill outlines that a “mental health day” is a day during which a student attends to their emotional and psychological well-being instead of going to school. Importantly, it stipulates that students would not need a physician’s or mental health professional’s certification to use these days, simplifying access and reducing potential barriers. School districts adopting the policy would be required to excuse such absences, ensuring that students are protected from disciplinary actions or academic penalties tied to missing classes for mental health reasons.
However, the proposal also makes it clear that taking a mental health day does not guarantee direct access to professional counseling or treatment through the school. The responsibility for seeking further mental health support would remain primarily with parents or guardians. The legislation acknowledges that not all Ohio schools currently have mental health counselors or adequate resources to provide follow-up care, so it does not impose new intervention requirements on school districts. Instead, schools are encouraged to refer students who take a mental health day to existing support services, including counseling, social work, or psychological programs, if available.
Blackshear’s bill offers districts flexibility in implementation. Schools could simply excuse students from classes or develop in-school programs where students can engage in mental health-focused activities instead of their regular coursework. This approach recognizes that every district has different resources and needs while ensuring the underlying goal—supporting students’ emotional health—is met.
The introduction of this bill comes at a time when youth mental health challenges are drawing national attention. The U.S. Surgeon General’s report released in December 2021 highlighted a significant increase in depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among young people in the decade leading up to the pandemic. Between 2007 and 2018, suicide rates among individuals aged 10 to 24 surged by 57%, making it the second leading cause of death for that age group. Additionally, from 2009 to 2019, mental health conditions were identified as the leading cause of disability and negative life outcomes for young people.
Ohio-specific data reflects this concerning trend. One in three students in the state report experiencing challenges with anxiety, while the number of high school students experiencing major depressive episodes has nearly doubled over the past decade. These statistics underscore the urgent need for policies that prioritize the mental health of children and adolescents. Blackshear’s proposal aims to provide a simple yet impactful step toward normalizing mental health care and giving students permission to take time for themselves when needed.
Supporters of the bill believe it could be a game changer in fostering healthier school environments. By legitimizing mental health days, the state sends a message that mental wellness is not a luxury but a fundamental aspect of student success. It also opens the door for more conversations about emotional well-being in schools and communities, helping to break down long-standing stigmas. Critics, however, might question whether the measure goes far enough without guaranteeing access to professional support or whether it could be misused by students as an easy excuse to skip school.
Despite these concerns, the bill represents progress in addressing a critical issue. By offering students a way to step back and care for themselves without repercussions, Ohio is taking a meaningful step toward prioritizing mental health alongside academics. The initiative not only acknowledges the struggles faced by today’s youth but also aims to create a culture where asking for help and taking time for recovery is seen as responsible and necessary.
As the legislative process moves forward, parents, educators, and mental health advocates will be watching closely to see whether this proposal gains traction. If adopted, Ohio students could begin the new school year with a valuable new support system, one that recognizes their emotional health as a key component of their overall success and development.
