Instead, my persistent symptoms—like stomach pain, heart racing, and utter fatigue—were brushed aside. I was labeled as overly anxious and, according to one doctor, just needed an outlet for my stress. Medical professionals at the time struggled to understand children like me, who today would likely be diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. While I am thrilled that our state is finally acknowledging the mental health needs of young people, it seems that quite a few individuals are opposed to this new policy.
After sharing the news in a local parenting group on Facebook, I was taken aback by the mixed reactions. The comments were almost evenly split between supporters and detractors. Those familiar with mental health challenges—often parents of children with diagnoses—expressed gratitude for the new law. Conversely, some skeptics dismissed it, viewing it as unnecessary.
One commenter suggested that if a child is struggling, it reflects poorly on the parents, implying they need to do more to support their child. I disagree; a child’s mental health diagnosis is not a parent’s fault. In fact, if a parent seeks help for their child, that should be applauded. However, let’s consider the reality of seeking that help.
Currently, mental health professionals are overwhelmed, especially post-COVID. The wait times for appointments can stretch for months. Even before the pandemic, getting a child to see a psychiatrist could take six months or longer. Once they finally get an appointment, evaluations require more visits, and if a diagnosis is reached, finding a qualified therapist can take additional months. Most of these appointments occur during the day, making it challenging for parents to manage both school and mental health care.
Another comment questioned why it seems like children today have more mental health issues than in the past, suggesting that kids are simply “fragile” and need to toughen up. This line of thinking is frustrating. According to recent statistics, around 7.1% of children aged three to seventeen experience anxiety, equating to roughly 4.4 million kids, while approximately 3.2%, or 1.9 million children, suffer from depression.
Anxiety can lead to debilitating symptoms, affecting not only emotional well-being but also physical health. Depression, on the other hand, can severely impact a child’s mood, sleep, and relationships. In 2019, 9% of high schoolers reported attempting suicide at least once during the school year. It’s evident that mental health issues are prevalent among today’s youth, making these excused mental health days more essential than ever.
To those who oppose this initiative, I say: if you don’t find the need for mental health days, then you don’t have to utilize them. But I feel for any child who might face a parent’s dismissal of their mental health struggles. It is crucial for children to receive the help they need without stigma. When a child is struggling, forcing them to attend school can exacerbate their symptoms, hindering their ability to learn.
Moreover, punishing children with unexcused absences for seeking necessary help is counterproductive. The focus of education should be on learning, which includes understanding and advocating for one’s mental health.
The stigma surrounding mental health is still very much alive. As someone who faced relentless anxiety as a child and was often dismissed, I understand the importance of addressing these issues openly. I’m grateful that our state recognizes the significance of youth mental health by allowing excused absences for it. If we can extend the same support to teachers and all school staff, we’ll be making great strides forward.
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- How to support a child with anxiety
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In summary, Illinois’ new policy allowing students to take excused mental health days is a progressive step in recognizing and addressing the mental health needs of youth. While there are mixed opinions about the law, it highlights the importance of supporting children’s mental well-being in the educational environment.