Prince Gomez

School social worker Mr. Luis Castanon welcomes students to the support center.

Easch Morton East High School student gets five mental health days a year.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, one in six young teenagers suffers from depression. As reported by NPR, Illinois students have been allowed to take up to five mental health days since January 2021. Students who take a mental health day will not be required to provide a doctor’s note and can make up missed schoolwork. DoSomething.org reveals that more than 50 million Americans struggle with mental illness, and one in five individuals between the ages of 3 and 18 either has or will develop a mental illness in their lifetime. Youth depression rates have surged from 12.9% to 25.2% from pre-pandemic times to 2021. Depression symptoms can adversely affect academic performance and hinder students’ educational success. Child Mind Institute underscores that children and teenagers are grappling with mental health challenges. Prioritizing children’s emotional well-being is as important as safeguarding their physical health. Allowing them time to rest and recharge can be a valuable tool in managing and protecting mental health. Providing students with the opportunity to take these days, within reason, can yield significant benefits. In a recent random survey of 100 students, 25% admitted to having taken a mental health day, with 33% indicating they had done so in the current year. 

“I would rest because I become overwhelmed when teachers assign too much work simultaneously. I believe kids need mental health days because, like adults, kids can also experience stress and overwhelm. Taking a break can help many people recharge and refocus on their studies,” says student Corey Washington. 

This demonstrates that students at Morton East High School employ various strategies to cope with stress. Some students choose to regain control over their lives by organizing and striving for a more structured daily routine. 

“If I were to take a mental health day, I would begin by cleaning my space and surroundings. An untidy environment can add stress, so tidying up can provide a sense of accomplishment. I would then deviate from my usual routine to do something for myself, enhancing my day. Meditating is beneficial when a few minutes of tranquility are needed, and I would also rest and take a break from any sources of concern,” shares student Karicia J. Chavez.  

Many students who opt for mental health days use this time to focus on themselves and enjoy both physical and mental relaxation. 

“I’ve taken mental health days before, and they have proven to be very beneficial. I catch up on lost sleep, attend to personal tasks, and then allocate the remainder of the day to schoolwork at my own pace. I feel remarkably refreshed afterward and return to school feeling content,” says student Zuleika Avitia. 

Some students utilize their mental health day to complete homework at their own pace and to get some much-needed rest. 

“For a mental health day, I’d spend time on my phone watching movies or shows. Later, I’d listen to music, read manga or webtoons, and unwind, temporarily putting school out of my mind. I’d also head to the park to spend time with my siblings and dad,” explains student Kelly Mendoza. 

For instance, some students choose to explore and spend quality time with family and friends in an effort to clear their minds. 

“Something I’d do if I took a mental health day is sleep because going to school can be exhausting, especially with early wake-up calls and extensive memorization,” states student Jocelyn Gonzalez. 

In conclusion, it’s evident that most high school students use mental health days to regain control over their lives, rest, and simultaneously stay on track with their studies.