What are the mental health benefits of taking time off for a gap year?

Taking time off can give you the experience and confidence you need to manage class assignments and your mental health. That's key for people living with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, since they are more likely to have lower grades or drop out of school.

How does taking a gap year help mental health?

Gap years are particularly beneficial to students who haven't been exposed to many experiences outside of typical teen life. They can develop the independence, resilience, flexibility and coping skills that lead to a strong mental health outlook in the college years and beyond.

Should I take time off work for mental health?

The same goes for your mental health – while keeping busy can be helpful at times, your mental health needs rest so it can heal just like your physical health does. If you need a single day or two to rest, you can simply send a message or make a call as you would with a physical sick day.

What are the benefits of taking a gap year?

Gap years can be especially valuable for: Recent high school graduates who are undecided about their college major or career path. A gap year allows young people to gain life experiences, explore different fields, and reflect on their interests and passions before committing to a specific academic or career track.

How does working while in school affect mental health?

One study showed that 70% of college students are stressed about finances. [1] With work, school, activities, and friends all demanding attention, many students struggle with balancing and prioritizing the different areas of their lives. We know that high levels of stress hurt our mental health.

Why you should take a break: Prioritizing mental health in schools | Hailey Hardcastle | TEDxSalem

Does school hours affect mental health?

Disrupting these circadian rhythms with early school start times can cause chronic sleep deprivation, which leads to increased risk for obesity, depression, poor academic performance, substance abuse and driving accidents.

Is it wrong to take a mental health day from school?

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

What are 6 benefits of a gap year?

Cultural awareness, organization, independence, and increased confidence are just some of the skills that are gained by taking a year out. According to the Gap Year Association Data and Benefits, gap year alumni also report higher job satisfaction.

Do colleges look down on gap years?

Many universities view gap years favorably but they shouldn't be taken solely to enhance a college application. When sharing your gap year experience on your application, be sure to make meaningful connections between how your time abroad relates to your academic life.

Is a gap year beneficial or a waste of time?

After twelve years of schooling, it's normal and even healthy to delay college and take some time away from your academic career to rest up and recharge. And, while a gap year will delay your college experience by a year, it will also boost your college performance and future career.

Can you take months off work for mental health?

You may need a break to undergo treatment for severe depression or anxiety, or another mental health condition. If your workplace is covered, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows an unpaid medical or mental health leave of absence of up to 12 weeks. While an FMLA leave is unpaid, it does protect your job.

Is it OK to take time off work for anxiety?

Although stress is a mental condition, it's legally treated the same as physical illness and if you're feeling unwell or unable to cope owing to stress, you can approach your GP and seek time off work to help you recover.

Can HR tell your boss what you say?

HR employees aren't doctors or priests, and you shouldn't assume confidentiality when you're talking to them. If they hear something that they judge needs to be shared, they're professionally obligated to do that. In fact, with reports of harassment or discrimination, they're legally obligated to act.

What is a therapeutic gap year?

A therapeutic gap year, also known as a “gap year with therapeutic support,” is a period of time typically taken by young adults, often after high school or during college, to focus on personal growth, healing, and addressing mental health or emotional challenges.

Are there consequences to taking a gap year?

Many students take a gap year before college to travel, work, or focus on their passions. You can organize your own gap year or apply for gap year programs. Cons of taking a gap year include high expenses for things like traveling. Pros include being able to craft a strong resume and take a break from school.

Are gap years good for students?

O'Shea says a gap year can help motivate and inspire students and better prepare them for college. He notes that the "natural break" between high school and college is an ideal time for students to "pause and reflect" and explore options before their studies begin.

How many people actually go to college after a gap year?

While parents may be concerned that a gap year may decrease their child's academic momentum, research shows that around 90% of gap year participants attend college within a year of their break.

Is it harder to get into college after taking a gap year?

Taking a gap year before college (or university) won't affect your admission chances if you use your experience wisely. Make sure you understand when and how to mention your gap year when applying for college. Taking a gap year before college means you'll get to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Is it a bad idea to take a gap year in the middle of college?

Taking a year off college isn't the end of the world. It's likely to be a life-changing experience that can actually help you become a better and more engaged student, and provide you with skills you may have not otherwise mastered if you stayed in school straight through until graduation.

Are gap year students more successful?

One study, published in the Journal of Education and Work, found that students who took a gap year had higher grade point averages and were more likely to graduate from college compared to those who did not take a gap year.

What is the best year to take a gap year?

Before College

This is a great time to take a gap year if you've just graduated from high school and already feel burned out academically. Many students spend so much energy worrying about succeeding in high school that going to college can feel daunting.

Is it OK to take a gap year after high school?

For some students, taking a gap year can be a good choice, particularly if they use it for building their skills, expanding their horizons, finding clarity in their interests and career choices, and saving money.

Should kids have mental health days off?

Mental health days are important because they give kids time at home to recharge. 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.

Why shouldn t students have mental health days off?

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. If a student takes a day off, she or he is likely to spend it alone, since friends and siblings are apt to be at school, and the majority of U.S. parents work full-time.

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.