Mental stress days are taken by many adults. Today, many schools allow students to do the same. There are parents that say students take advantage of the mental health day and pretend to be sick. Still, others say it pampers children. Nonetheless, some say it empowers students to take care of their own mental stress.
Yes to Mental Stress Days
According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates for children are rising. As students take mental health days, they have a chance to speak up about their needs. Thus, it breaks the stigma that goes with mental health.
Many children suffer from symptoms of mental stress and do not say anything to anyone. They fear saying something because they do not want people to judge them. Also, they feel people will not believe them.
Knowing When
A physically sick child gets to stay home from school and recuperate. Nevertheless, it is difficult to recognize a condition of mental stress. As children feel bad and struggle to function, going to school makes it worse. This is when a mental health day is a must.
• Use the day to solve a problem. At times, children get behind in school. This is a good time to work with the school to help the student.
• If the child is exhausted or overworked, a day off helps regenerate energy. Build healthier habits through proper bed times, healthy food, and exercise.
As mental health issues get worse, consult a physician.
Don’ts
• It is not helpful to use the day to sleep in. This is an avoidance of the issue.
• Do not binge-watch television programs. The International Communication Association says binge watching increases feelings of loneliness and depression.
• Meanwhile, skipping school to have a fun day may sent a wrong message. Escaping reality does more harm than good. Any school problem will still be there as the student returns the next day.
More students are stressed from the rigorous level of academics in school. Not only in school, participating in sports and other activities demand children to perform better. They no longer have a week-end to ‘play’ or wind-down. Parents and teachers need to listen to children in order to know their limits. At times, a day with no scheduled activities gives the brain time to process and reset. It can actually bring on creativity and ‘out of the box’ thinking.
