My State Is Allowing Students to Take Excused Mental Health Days, and Some Parents Are Upset

Exciting news has just come from my state, Illinois. Starting January 1, 2022, students will be permitted five excused mental health days from school. I couldn’t be happier! Having dealt with anxiety for as long as I can remember, I know firsthand how beneficial it would have been to take a day off to regroup and recover from panic attacks. Unfortunately, back in my day, mental health issues like anxiety and depression were rarely recognized in children. My symptoms, such as stomach aches and fatigue, were often brushed aside. I was just a nervous child who, according to one doctor, “needed to hit something.”

Today, kids like me would more likely receive a diagnosis such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder. While I am thrilled that our state is finally acknowledging the mental health needs of young people, I was surprised to find many mixed reactions to this new policy. When I shared the news in a local parenting Facebook group, the comments were almost evenly split between supporters and detractors. Those who understood mental health, often with children of their own who have diagnoses, expressed gratitude. Conversely, there were also those who dismissed the new law as unnecessary.

One commenter claimed that if a child is struggling, it reflects poor parenting and that parents need to work harder. I disagree; obtaining a mental health diagnosis for a child is a significant achievement for a parent who supports their child in seeking help. Speaking of help, the current mental health landscape is more challenging than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many mental health professionals are overwhelmed, with wait times for appointments often stretching for months. Even prior to COVID, accessing a child psychiatrist could take half a year or longer.

Once a child is finally seen, they often require evaluations, further appointments, and eventually the search for a qualified therapist, which, once again, can take considerable time. These appointments usually occur during the school day, leaving parents with two options: take their child out of school, risking an unexcused absence, or skip the appointment altogether.

Another parent expressed confusion over the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among today’s youth, suggesting that children are simply more fragile and entitled than in the past. She reminisced about how she would skip class when she didn’t want to go to school and questioned why kids need mental health days at all. However, the statistics speak for themselves. Approximately 7.1% of children aged three to seventeen experience anxiety—that translates to about 4.4 million kids. Additionally, around 1.9 million, or 3.2% of this age group, face depression.

Anxiety can lead to severe physical symptoms, while depression can cause feelings of sadness, irritability, and hopelessness, affecting sleep and relationships. Alarmingly, about 9% of high school students reported attempting suicide at least once during the school year in 2019.

For those who may not see the value in mental health days, I would say: if you don’t need them, then don’t utilize them. But it’s essential to support children who do. Ignoring their mental health needs only perpetuates stigma and could lead to further suffering.

When a child is struggling, they cannot learn effectively. Forcing a distressed child to sit in class only encourages them to mask their feelings and suffer in silence. Mental health is just as crucial as physical health, and our education system should recognize that. Children need the support and time to develop healthy coping mechanisms, preparing them for successful futures.

The ableism reflected in some comments is disheartening. Mental health continues to carry stigma, and I’ve personally experienced this throughout my life. Thankfully, I was diagnosed in adulthood and began the challenging journey of therapy. I wouldn’t want other children to endure similar struggles.

Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it should remain unchallenged. I’m grateful that my state recognizes the importance of mental health for youth through excused absences. Now, let’s hope we can extend the same understanding to educators and all employees as well.

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Summary

My state has announced that students will be allowed five excused mental health days starting January 1, 2022. While many parents support this initiative, others are skeptical, questioning the need for such measures. The article discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health in children, emphasizing that mental well-being is just as crucial as physical health. It also touches on the challenges parents face in seeking professional help for their children and the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Keyphrase: excused mental health days for students

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