Why students should have mental health days | Hailey Hardcastle
Understanding Teenage Mental Health
Personal Journey and Early Awareness
- The speaker shares a childhood agreement with their mother allowing three mental health rest days each semester, contingent on academic performance.
- They began their mental health journey at age six, later diagnosed with trauma-induced anxiety and clinical depression, which made growing up challenging.
- The speaker experienced overwhelming school pressures leading to breakdowns and panic attacks, highlighting the lack of discussion around youth mental health during that time.
Community Impact and Collective Experience
- While managing personal mental health in high school, the speaker recognized broader issues affecting peers after witnessing multiple suicides in their hometown.
- As president of the Oregon Association of Student Councils, they gathered stories from students across various communities about mental health crises.
- A forum held in 2018 revealed that every participant had encountered a mental health crisis in their school, emphasizing the widespread nature of these challenges.
Legislative Action for Mental Health Support
- In response to alarming statistics (suicide as the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 24), they formed "Students for a Healthy Oregon" to combat stigma and advocate for mental health prioritization in schools.
- They successfully lobbied for House Bill 2191, allowing students to take mental health days off from school similarly to physical illness days.
Implementation and Benefits of Mental Health Days
- The law facilitates conversations between students and parents regarding mental health by officially recognizing absences due to it.
- Schools can track how many students utilize these days; excessive use prompts referrals to counselors for support.
Broader Implications and Future Goals
- The initiative aims not only to teach self-care but also potentially save lives by encouraging help-seeking behavior among students.
Mental Health Resources in Schools
Importance of Mental Health Support
- Emphasizes the necessity for mental health resources, particularly in schools, where students often face significant struggles.
- Highlights that it is acceptable to not be okay and encourages taking breaks when needed.
Managing Stress and Burnout
- Suggests that breaks do not need to be extensive; even short moments can help individuals check in with themselves.