A new Illinois law will now allow students to take five mental health days per year without a doctor's note. Effective on Jan. 1, the new law was signed in August by Illinois Gov. Jay Robert "J.B." Pritzker.

Supporters of the bill acknowledge that students have been experiencing rising stress levels and lower engagement with learning since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Many students feel stressed and have developed anxiety and depression because they're not able to see teachers and friends and may have lower grades due to remote learning. This will allow them to get the help they need," Co-sponsor of the bill Barbara Hernandez (D-Il.) said. 

Brandon Kutmas, a mental health counselor at Quad City Behavioral Health Associates (QCBHA) in Illinois, told WQAD8 that it is essential for children to take time off from school if their mental state requires it. This new bill aims to raise awareness of students' mental health issues during the pandemic.

"Kids have to know that when they say something to their parents, as far as like communicating a need like I need time off, or I need a break," Kutmas said. "If the kid feels listened to or heard, they're going to trust that parent. Then in the future, if something bigger arises, they'll be comfortable enough to go to them."

The CDC shared the number of children's mental health-related emergency department visits increased in April 2020 and remained high through October. 

Compared with 2019, the number of mental health-related visits for children aged 5-11 and 12-17 in 2020 has increased by approximately 24% and 31%. The report notes that the increase could be attributed to pandemic-related stress. 

Students taking mental health leaves also have the opportunity to make up missed work. The new law stipulates that students who have taken more than two of the five approved mental health days will be directed to support systems by their schools.