When is a mental health day needed? A message from your Wellbeing Prefect.

It is undeniable that the life of a student is often stressful. As young people, we are thrown into a new world of responsibility in our high school years, and the difference of this environment, especially in comparison with primary school, can create a direct impact on our mental health.

Though, this stress is not something that has to be tolerated. If you come to a point where you are simply exhausted and the thought of accomplishing anything during a day at school seems like an impossible task, it is time to ask yourself whether a mental health day is needed.

A mental health day, popularised in recent years, is the recognition that not only are physical issues (colds/flus, injuries) enough to warrant a day off of school, but so are mental issues (too much stress, burnout, depression, anxiety). Though many of us feel inclined to go to school everyday, and possibly feel a sense of guilt for not going to school, there is no point forcing yourself into an environment where you will both not achieve anything beneficial but also deplete your mental health further.

If you decide to take a mental health day, spend your hours focusing on getting in those extra moments of sleep, finding the source of your stress, planning a way to tackle whatever problem you are facing, and, most importantly, spending time with yourself. Stepping out of the school scenario and being able to analyse the sources of your stress from a new perspective can not only relieve your mind, but also enable you to get more efficient work done in the coming weeks. Sometimes the act of taking a day to yourself in the most beneficial use of your time!

To the girls who have been travelling for sports tournaments, who are dedicating most of their spare time to the musical, who are preparing for the cadenza and who, in general, have many assignments looming, remember to go easy on yourself: find time to rest, relax and destress, set plans in place in order to prevent any procrastination and appreciate everything that you have achieved so far this year.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!