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The idea of taking mental health days has been a topic of discussion for ages, often mentioned in a lighthearted manner. However, the reality is that prioritizing self-care is essential, especially for young people. Ignoring mental health only perpetuates a cycle of burnout that benefits no one, particularly our youth. Thankfully, there’s a growing recognition among individuals and employers that mental health is just as important as physical health. Just as we take sick days to recover from illness, we also need mental health days to recharge and focus on self-care.
In recent months, mental health days have transitioned from a buzzword to an actual practice in workplaces. Imagine if we had emphasized the importance of self-care from the very start of education. While young children are introduced to mindfulness in school, that focus often diminishes as they grow older. What tools and practices do we offer teens to keep their mental health a priority?
The pressures facing today’s teens are significantly greater than what previous generations experienced. Academic expectations are higher, and the competition is fiercer, creating an overwhelming atmosphere. Tragically, statistics from the CDC reveal a staggering 51% increase in suicide attempts among adolescent girls aged 12-17 during the pandemic. These figures are heartbreaking and highlight the urgent need for support and resources for our youth. Fortunately, many teens are taking initiative and advocating for the changes they need.
Advocating for Mental Health Days: A Collective Effort
Mental health is a universal issue that affects everyone, regardless of age. The quicker we learn how to prioritize it and remove the stigma surrounding it, the better off we will be. Today’s youth are not waiting for adulthood to advocate for their mental health needs. According to a New York Times article, eight states have already enacted laws allowing students to take absences from school for mental health reasons. Notably, many of these advocates are the students themselves—how empowering!
Learning to recognize the need for time away is an invaluable skill. As adults, we often struggle to ask for what we need; for a teen, that can be even more challenging. As parents, it’s crucial to support our children’s mental health and self-care journeys. While it’s important to encourage their autonomy, we must also differentiate between using mental health days as a proactive approach to well-being versus relying on them as a temporary solution to deeper issues.
Making Self-Care a Priority, Not Just a Trend
Implementing mental health days is easier said than done, especially when there’s pressure on teens to “toughen up.” However, it’s essential to remember that teens are real people facing real challenges. Incorporating mental health days into their routine is just one part of a larger self-care strategy. Not every student needs to take a full mental health day; sometimes, they just need a moment to decompress during a hectic day.
One innovative approach being adopted by some schools is the creation of “wellness rooms.” For example, a principal in Colorado, Sarah Johnson, describes these spaces as a calming retreat where students can regroup and manage their stress. This concept is not only beneficial for students but would also serve adults well. How many times have we felt overwhelmed and chose to bottle up our emotions instead of addressing them?
It’s essential to support the next generation by learning from our past mistakes regarding mental health. Let’s remind ourselves that burnout is not a badge of honor, and being too busy to care for oneself does not earn accolades. Maintaining healthy boundaries and nurturing friendships are integral to good mental health. Our teens are observant; they will adopt behaviors that reflect our attitudes toward mental health. Self-care is not selfish, despite what we may have internalized growing up.
Imagine how different our lives might have been if we had prioritized mental health from a young age instead of playing catch-up later.