Is mental health an excuse for school?

States like Washington and California recognize mental health as a legitimate reason to miss a day of school.

Should mental health days be counted as excused absences for students?

The fact that mental health is acknowledged as a valid medical problem supports the excusability of mental health days. It is vital to give mental health conditions the same consideration as physical illnesses, such as a sick day.

Should students be allowed mental health days off from school?

A June 2022 poll by Verywell Mind and the magazine Parents found that 75 percent of parents feel that schools should offer mental health days to students. And 56 percent of parents said they have let their kids take a mental health day, regardless of whether their child's school has a formal mental health day policy.

Is anxiety a reason to miss school?

There are many risk factors for frequent school absence, including factors related to the child and their family, school and community. Poor mental health has previously been linked to poor school attendance, with anxiety often described as a key risk factor.

Is mental health a valid reason to stay home from school?

School policies that recognize mental health symptoms and treatment as an acceptable reason for absence can help students take the time they need to care for themselves, restore their health and help minimize additional symptoms.

Here's Why 'Using Depression As an Excuse' Is a Myth [The Psychology]

Is it okay to stay home from school because of anxiety?

Avoid letting your student stay home.

Staying home may provide short-term relief but can make things worse in the long run. When students miss school, their friendships and social skills weaken, often creating fear of social situations. Their academic skills also worsen which can lead to low motivation and self-esteem.

What states are now accepting mental health day as a valid reason for missing school?

In the past three years, several states, including Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Nevada, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, and Kentucky have passed bills allowing students to miss school for mental health reasons.

How many kids miss school because of anxiety?

In the 2021 survey, researchers found: 63% of students said they'd had an emotional meltdown in the past year. 43% reported a panic or anxiety attack. 22% said they'd missed three or more days of school due to mental health.

Why mental health days are a bad idea for students?

If the problem is bullying, staying away can make kids even more socially isolated. If they're struggling with schoolwork, missing class can drive them even further behind. Phillips says the best policy is to place strict limits on mental-health days, lest they snowball.

Can depression make you miss school?

Unlike more general absenteeism, research suggests the majority of students who refuse to attend school have one or more depressive or anxiety disorders. “School refusal severely hurts the trajectory of kids' lives and stunts them, but a lot of schools miss it,” Demsky said.

Should I let my kid have a mental health day?

Mental health days for kids

The concept of taking mental health days off from school or work has been gaining more acceptance and popularity over the past few years. Experts say it's a good idea — if parents handle it the right way.

Is it OK to take a mental health day?

The benefits of taking mental health days often stem from what you need most at that time. Say you've been buried in work for months, for example, and are close to burning out. A mental health day can offer some rest and give you time to reflect on where to set your boundaries or say no at work.

How do you ask for a mental health day?

“Recently I've been having a hard time with my [condition] and am going to take a sick day today to try and rest up. I'll be back tomorrow.” “I'm feeling burnt out, and am planning to take a sick day today to take care of my mental health. I'll be back in the office tomorrow, thank you for understanding.”

What are three 3 reasons for which an absence or absences may be considered excused?

How do you explain mental health absence?

It can be helpful to have a note from your doctor to help explain your situation. How much information you want to give. You don't have to go into personal details, just focus on how your mental health problem can affect your job.

How many mental health days should you take a year?

You should take 1 mental health day per month, psychologist says—here are 4 great ways to use them. When you're under pressure and feeling stressed, you might feel irresponsible taking time off from work.

How many mental health days is too many?

There is not a set number of mental health days a child should take each year. That said, it does help to agree on a limit as a family. You might choose a specific number, such as five per school year.

Why should schools worry about mental health?

Mental Health Matters

Often unseen and untreated, child and adolescent mental health challenges can significantly impact the ability to learn and develop. One in five children has a diagnosable mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, yet many of them do not receive the help they need.

What students are saying about mental health days?

Students said in the survey that scheduling mental health days, acknowledging mental health needs and offering wellness activities and life skills classes would help their mental health in college. Students want their schools to offer more support for them to deal with whatever they are going through.

How many kids that go to school are depressed?

16 percent of US teens (ages 12 to 17)—more than 4 million adolescents—had at least one major depressive episode in 2022. In addition, 11.5 percent of US youth (over 2.7 million high school students) are experiencing major depressive disorder with severe impairment.

What is school anxiety called?

But children with scolionophobia feel insecure or anxious at the thought of going to school. They may even become physically ill. A child with scolionophobia often misses many days of school for vague or unknown reasons. School phobia or school refusal is often associated with other anxiety disorders.

What happens if anxiety is left untreated?

Untreated anxiety takes a toll

“An anxiety disorder often is not just an anxiety disorder. When untreated, it may progress to depression,” Dr. Swantek said. “Untreated anxiety has also been associated with elevated levels of cardiovascular disease, elevated blood pressure—and other medical conditions.”

Should students get mental health days off from school pros and cons?

“I think if you have a truly healthy student, an occasional mental health day is okay,” she says. “But if a child has major issues, it's a slippery slope. Mental health days can become an escape hatch.” Perhaps the most worrisome aspect of the mental health day movement is its potential to isolate kids.

How do mental health days work?

A mental health day is similar to sick leave. It's a day off of work for an employee to invest in self-care and recover from potential mental health issues. This day can be paid or unpaid. It's important to note that the reason for a mental health day may not relate to work.

What states are allowing students to take mental health days?

In other states where lawmakers have implemented policies that allow students to take mental health days — including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Virginia — a lack of services for young people remains a concern.