As a college junior juggling multiple classes, a part-time job, and various extracurricular activities, I’ve experienced firsthand the intense pressure that students face daily.
The question of whether students should be allowed mental health days for mental health reasons has become increasingly relevant, especially as we better understand the connection between mental wellbeing and academic success.
So, should mental health days be allowed to students? As someone who is on campus everyday, I think I am in a solid position for to look at the current state of mental health support for students and the best ways to bolster mental health on campuses across the country.
What Are Mental Health Days?
Mental health days are designated breaks that students can take from school to focus on their psychological and emotional wellbeing.
Just as we take sick days for physical illness, mental health days provide time to rest, recharge, and address mental health concerns before they escalate into more serious issues.
Schools can support mental health days by providing resources and creating an environment that acknowledges the importance of mental well-being.
The Current State of Student Mental Health
The statistics paint a concerning picture of student mental health:
Additionally, a significant percentage of students are diagnosed with a mental health disorder, which can severely impact their academic performance
Depression rates among students have increased significantly in the past decade
Many students report sleep difficulties and stress-related physical symptoms
Academic pressure is consistently cited as a primary source of stress
My Core 4 Benefits of Allowing Mental Health Days for Students
1. Prevents Burnout
Speaking from experience, sometimes we need a day to step back and prevent complete exhaustion and poor mental health. When students can take a mental health day before reaching their breaking point, they often return more focused and productive.
2. Teaches Self-Advocacy
Learning to recognize when we need a break and actually taking that break is an essential life skill, and it involves prioritizing mental health. By allowing mental health days, schools help students develop healthy coping mechanisms they’ll use throughout their lives.
3. Reduces Stigma
When institutions officially recognize mental health days, it sends a powerful message that mental health is just as important as physical health, helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and even around seeking help for mental health. This helps reduce the shame some students feel about struggling with mental health challenges.
4. Improves Academic Performance
It might seem counterintuitive, but taking occasional mental health days can actually improve academic performance. A refreshed mind is better able to absorb and retain information than an exhausted one. Addressing a child’s mental health through mental health days can lead to better academic outcomes and overall well-being.
When to Take a Mental Health Day
Deciding when to take a mental health day can be a personal and subjective decision. However, there are some common signs and situations that may indicate it’s time to take a break. Here are some scenarios where taking a mental health day might be beneficial:
Feeling Overwhelmed and Exhausted: If you’re consistently feeling drained, both physically and mentally, it may be time to take a step back and recharge. Chronic exhaustion can lead to burnout, which can severely impact your mental well-being and academic performance.
Experiencing Anxiety or Stress: If you’re struggling with anxiety or stress, taking a mental health day can provide a much-needed break from the pressures of daily life. This time can be used to practice relaxation techniques or simply to rest.
Dealing with a Mental Health Issue: If you’re facing a mental health issue such as depression, anxiety, or trauma, taking a mental health day can provide a safe space to focus on your well-being. It’s important to address these issues early on to prevent them from escalating.
Needing Time to Reflect and Recharge: Sometimes, we just need time to reflect on our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Taking a mental health day can provide the space to do so, helping you gain clarity and perspective.
Recognizing these signs and taking proactive steps to address them can significantly improve your mental health and overall well-being.
How to Spend a Mental Health Day
Spending a mental health day can be a highly personal and individualized experience. Here are some ideas for how to spend your mental health day:
Engage in Self-Care Activities: Take time to engage in activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. This could include exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature. Self-care is crucial for maintaining mental well-being.
Practice Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment and let go of worries about the past or future. Mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, yoga, or tai chi can be incredibly helpful in reducing stress and anxiety.
Connect with Loved Ones: Reach out to friends, family, or a school counselor for support and connection. Talking to someone you trust can provide emotional relief and a sense of belonging.
Engage in Creative Activities: Express yourself through art, music, writing, or other creative pursuits. Creativity can be a powerful outlet for emotions and can help improve your mood.
Take a Break from Technology: Consider taking a digital detox and avoiding screens for the day. Constant connectivity can contribute to stress, so giving yourself a break can be refreshing.
Prioritize Sleep: Get plenty of rest and prioritize sleep to help your body and mind recharge. Poor sleep can exacerbate mental health issues, so ensuring you’re well-rested is essential.
Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling with a mental health issue, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your needs.
By taking the time to prioritize your mental health and well-being, you can return to your daily life feeling refreshed, renewed, and more resilient. Remember, taking a mental health day is not a sign of weakness but a proactive step towards maintaining your mental health.
Potential Concerns and Solutions
Abuse of the System
Some worry that students might misuse student mental health days just to skip school. However, research and real-world implementation show that most students use these days responsibly when given the opportunity.
Implementation Guidelines for Excused Mental Health Days
To address concerns about abuse, schools can:
Set a reasonable limit on mental health days per semester
Require parent/guardian approval for younger students
Have students complete a brief check-in form about their mental state
Provide resources and support services along with the time off
How Other Schools Handle Mental Health Days
Several states and institutions have already implemented mental health day policies:
Oregon allows students to take mental health days as excused absences
Utah recognizes mental health as a valid reason for school absence
Many universities have integrated mental health days into their academic calendars
These policies reflect a growing recognition of the importance of youth mental health in educational settings.
Making the Most of Mental Health Days
When taking a mental health day, students should:
Use the time intentionally for self-care
Address any underlying issues causing stress
Catch up on sleep if needed
Engage in activities that promote mental wellness
Plan how to manage upcoming responsibilities
The Role of Support Systems
Mental health days work best when combined with:
Accessible counseling services
Academic support resources
Understanding faculty members
Peer support networks
Family support
Parents and educators should also be mindful of their own mental health to better support students.
The Bigger Picture: Mental Health in Education
Allowing mental health days is just one part of a larger conversation about mental health and even affecting treatment for substance misuse among students. Schools need comprehensive approaches that include:
Regular mental health education
Stress management workshops
Flexible academic policies
Training for educators to recognize mental health issues
Resources for crisis intervention
The Economic Argument
There’s also an economic case for mental health days:
Reduced dropout rates
Lower healthcare costs
Better workforce preparation
Increased productivity
Fewer crisis interventions needed
Moving Forward: Recommendations for Schools
Based on current research and real-world examples, schools should consider:
Implementing clear mental health day policies
Training staff on mental health awareness
Creating supportive return-to-school procedures
Developing partnerships with mental health providers
Regularly evaluating and adjusting policies based on outcomes
Support for Student Mental Health Should be a Priority for All
As a student who has experienced both the challenges of mental health struggles and the benefits of taking intentional breaks, I strongly believe that mental health days should be allowed for students.
The evidence supports their effectiveness, and the potential benefits far outweigh the concerns about implementation.
Mental health days aren’t just about taking time off – they’re about creating a more sustainable and healthy approach to education. When students feel supported in maintaining their mental health, they’re better equipped to succeed academically and personally.
Final Thoughts
The question isn’t really whether we should allow mental health days, but rather how we can implement them effectively to support student wellbeing and success.
As our understanding of mental health continues to evolve, so too should our educational policies and practices.
A personal reminder from hard own experience: taking care of your mental health isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity for academic success and personal wellbeing!
References
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Lipson, S. K., & Eisenberg, D. (2018). Mental health and academic attitudes among first-year college students. Journal of College Student Development, 59(3), 259-274. https://doi.org/10.1353/csd.2018.0020
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2021). College students speak: A survey on mental health. Arlington, VA: NAMI.
Oswalt, S. B., Lederer, A. M., Chung, S., & Pakdaman, R. (2020). A snapshot of college student mental health in the United States: Results from the Fall 2018 National College Health Assessment II. Journal of American College Health, 70(6), 1621-1628. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2020.1815361
Patel, V., Flisher, A. J., Hetrick, S., & McGorry, P. (2019). Mental health of young people: A global public-health challenge. The Lancet, 369(9569), 1302-1313. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60368-7
Walter, K. H., Bradley, N., & McElroy, K. (2022). The impact of mental health days on college student well-being: A mixed-methods study. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 59(2), 145-160. https://doi.org/10.1080/19496591.2022.2037294
World Health Organization. (2021). Adolescent mental health: Mapping the landscape of research and resources. Geneva: WHO.
