An increase in mental and emotional health can occur for students from mental health days as well. Anytime teenagers are constantly stressed and burnt out, they are more likely to suffer from mental health troubles. However, schools giving students mental health days off gives them more of a chance to reach out and seek help. Seeking help can look different in an individual’s eyes. Whether it is talking to your family, engaging in activities you enjoy, or even talking to a professional, it is all beneficial. Many of us have something going on in our lives, whether it’s family troubles, work life, being active in clubs and sports, or even mental health issues. These situations can often cause those involved to be stressed and, therefore, may need additional support to continue their lives. Individuals look at support in many different ways. Some need to take a breather and step back from situations stressing them out, such as school. Mental health days should be allowed in all schools, especially high schools, to enable students to reduce stress and anxiety, increase productivity and creativity, and improve their mental and emotional health.
Reduced stress and anxiety have a significant impact on individuals’ lives. Many students feel pressured by family, friends, and teachers to have excellent grades and always finish tasks on time. However, school is not the only responsibility in teenagers’ lives. Work, family matters, sports, and even the threat of being put on the AVS system are concerns we have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. “Whenever I miss a day of school, I always worry about the AVS system and being put on it due to stress and anxiety. It only increases my stress knowing I might be punished for trying to help myself”, said Faliha Malik. Having excused absences for mental health reasons would allow for the students to have a mental reset and get a chance to decompress. The pressure of school can be quite overwhelming for students, and they should be permitted to take the time to ensure that one’s mental health is intact.
Mental health days additionally increase productivity and academic performance among students. When students are able to take a day off from school, they come back with a fresh and more evident mindset. This can lead to more concentration and attentiveness in the classroom, leading to better academic performance. According to the Child Mind Institute, “Whether your child is struggling with a mental health challenge or just a rough week, a day off to recuperate can reduce stress and help them get back on track.” A student getting at least one day off to recuperate can help them more than imagined.
Regardless of how students and families feel that mental health days off are sufficient, some believe they are unsuitable for students. School districts are very concerned about misuse and overuse of school days off. Students might be tempted to take advantage of this offer, leading to missing essential lessons and assignments. This can mess up a student’s academic performance, leaving them at a disadvantage and at a significant risk of not graduating. According to Sedona Sky Academy it states, “There is a risk of misuse or overuse of mental health days, where students and kids may take advantage of these days off without genuine mental health concerns. This can lead to a reduction in the overall effectiveness and credibility of mental health days as a support system.”
However, mental health days, overall, are very beneficial for students of all ages. The days off allow students to recharge and get a day of rest. This results in reduced stress and anxiety, an increase in productivity and academic performance, and good mental health. Mental health is a critical upcoming issue for students of all ages, and it needs to be prevented as much as possible.
