We’re all familiar with Westview’s intense 4×4 system, coupled with the peer pressure to stack on honors and AP classes. It feels like there’s constantly midterms, finals, or other impo-

rtant projects looming.

On top of that, many teenagers participate in extracurriculars that take up a significant portion of their time and energy, which can take away a chance to care for their mental health. 

Especially with midterms or finals approaching, it can be very difficult to balance school, other activities, and tending to mental health. 

An effective way to sustain mental health is taking occasional days off in

order to look after it, but oftentimes students are hesitant because of possible repercussions, such as the implications of missing school.

In order to make schools more accommodating, Emily Bylsma, 2020-2021 PUSD student board member, proposed a district-wide initiative in December of 2020 to allow mental health to be added to the list of reasons warranting an excused absence. 

The entire state of California adopted the policy in July becoming the twelfth state to do so. Critics raised concern about possible exploitation of the policy, but mental health experts have demonstrated overwhelming support. 

Dr. Deborah Gilboa, practicing doctor and “resilience expert” that uses the media to advocate for mental health, argued that if someone woke up under mental distress, they should be able to take time off to rest and recover like they would if they woke up under physical distress. 

It is common for students to subscribe to the mentality that they should just push through any issue that they have, and that they don’t need a break. However, rest days can be crucial, providing both short-term and long-term benefits. Dr. Christine M. Crawford, assistant professor at Boston University School of Medicine and Associate Medical Director of National Alliance on Mental Illn

ess, affirms that a day off gives “a chance to recharge your battery” and ultimately improves performance.

I’ve taken mental health days myself, which allowed me to recuperate for academic tasks and other events. Even if you don’t want to use that time for self-care, it gives you an opportunity to catch up on both schoolwork and sleep.  

The thought of missing more work can be scary (especially considering being overwhelmed could have contributed to the problem), but since the absences can be excused teachers are forced to be accomodating. 

Time to rest and recharge is always important, both for your physical and mental health, so it is important to get it in any way you can. The state decision aids students’ ability to get this, which is a crucial step in the care of mental health.