Why children also need mental health days – especially now

In recent years, some businesses have started encouraging their employees to take mental health, self-care or wellness days off work. Even companies that do not officially designate free time for mental well-being can use personal days, sick days, or other free time for such reasons. (And the sad reality is that millions of American workers have not yet paid sick leave at all.)

Just as adults occasionally need a Friday off to take care of their mental health, so do children – a concept that is gaining more and more traction. In 2018, lawmakers in Utah expanded the definition of an excusable school absence to mental as well as physical illnesses. The following year, Oregon passed a similar law that recognizes mental or behavioral health as valid reasons to miss school. Other states have since followed suit by introducing (or proposing) like-minded measures.

The past year of the pandemic has been difficult for all of us, but children have a very. They were suddenly thrown into distance education, isolated from their friends and family members, unable to engage in extracurricular activities, and forced to adapt to other major changes while managing a great deal of uncertainty.

“Now that we’re a full year from the start of the pandemic, children are exhausted,” said Ann-Louise Lockhart – apPediatric Psychologist at A New Day Pediatric Psychology and Parent Coach – HuffPos saidt. ‘Many feel isolated, anxious, bored and depressed. They feel tired, discouraged and incredibly unmotivated. ”

Children now face a new challenge: to return home to the classroom after a year. Some children may be excited to start learning in person again, while others are understandably anxious about returning to school.

They may be worried about getting sick with COVID-19, with whom they will play or hang out, or how they will catch up on their schoolwork if they fall behind. Students who get procrastination from personal bullying during distance education may fear that they will be re-employed, said Michele Borba, educational psychologist and author of the upcoming book “Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine.”

The point is, children have a lot on their plate and deserve just as much a day of mental health as anyone – especially now. Pediatricians explain below why it can be a good idea, how to know if your child needs a day off, and other ways to maintain it.

In addition to the obvious benefit of giving your child a much-needed break, parents who give their children permission to care for their mental health are sending important messages.

First, it shows that you prioritize self-care – and that it should. In a culture that regularly works to celebrate the point of burnout, it’s a powerful way to remind your child that it’s okay to slow down. This indicates that you care more about their mental and emotional well-being than about external measures of success such as degrees or other awards.

“In many families, the message was to work harder, persevere and be strong,” Lockhart said. “While there are many messages of perseverance and perseverance, we must also send the message that balance and rest are important.”

Sometimes children feel that they have to lie to their parents and say that they are physically ill to miss school. However, encouraging your child to take a day off for mental health provides the opportunity to have an honest conversation about whatever they are struggling with.

In addition, they have a habit of regularly reporting to themselves instead of addressing mental health issues once they have reached a boiling point.

“If we take time to take time for mental health and wellness, it can teach children to determine what their problems are and address them accordingly,” said clinical psychologist Cindy T. Graham of the Brighter Hope Wellness Center. “Instead of waiting until one experiences a full-blown episode of depression, it is important to learn how to see early warning signs and apply appropriate coping techniques.”

How your child responds to stress may look different depending on their personality and temperament, Graham said. Some children may verbally express that they are overwhelmed, anxious or sad – some may be more reluctant than usual. Others may show that they are stressed by their behavior; they may become more clingy or dependent on you.

Lack of interest or lack of pleasure in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed is an indication that parents may be looking for. Withdrawal from friends and family is another matter.

“They are increasingly disconnected from others and isolated from friends, with less of a desire to have meaningful social ties,” Lockhart noted.

You may also notice changes in their normal routine, such as sleeping too much or too little, or an increase or decrease in appetite.

Differences in their mood can also be signs to pay attention to.

“You see more irritability, anger or low tolerance for frustrating or disappointing events,” Lockhart said.

Although you can give a short time away from school, it can provide stress relief in the short term, but in the long run it does not help to manage mental or emotional health conditions. If your child is having a stressful week, this is one thing. But if they show the above signs over the course of weeks or months, parents should consider associating them with a therapist.

“Recurrent symptoms of mental health problems should be addressed by a licensed clinician to give your child the best chance of learning strategies that suit them and their situation,” Graham said.

Start by helping your child identify their main sources of stress and devise healthy coping strategies together. Graham suggested a few, such as journaling, compiling a video diary, drawing or writing a poem or song. You can also schedule an appointment with their therapist for them, if they have one.

If you can, consider taking the day off and planning an outing or activity together, Lockhart suggested, though this may not always be possible. Either way, make sure you tune in to your child during the day to see how he feels.

“Keep questions open and encourage your child to say what they think in a ‘judgment-free’ zone, helping to promote feelings of security in communicating difficult feelings,” Graham said.

Give your child permission to rest, recharge, and let go of all feelings of guilt that may be taking their time. Remind them that a day for mental health is not about blowing up their responsibilities, Graham said. ‘It is, in fact, the opposite: take responsibility for your mental and emotional well-being. ‘

In addition to taking an occasional day off, it is important that parents regularly build up in time to talk about the well-being of the family – and it tends to – Borba said.

A set time for daily mental health – walking, exercising, reading, taking deep breaths, playing in the sand, rubbing back, listening to soothing music – can help children realize mental well-being – not not GPA. and test results – matter, ”said Borba. “Children can practice the decompression, coping strategies and identify what works for them and then use it for the rest of their lives.”