Why Mental Health Days Matter for Students

October 27, 2025 O'Neals CA Bronson Sidoti, Reporter

Did you know that one in five students struggle with mental health challenges today? Mental health days aren’t just a break — they can actually help students perform better in school.

First and foremost, they help prevent burnout. Overwork and heavy workloads often lead to stress, anxiety, and a drop in performance. When students feel overwhelmed, their ability to focus and stay motivated decreases. Allowing a mental health day gives students the opportunity to rest, recharge, and return to school with a clearer mindset and renewed energy.

Pause. Breathe. Reset. Photo by Bronson Sidoti

In recent years, student stress levels have continued to rise. In fact, more and more high school students in the U.S. are reporting higher stress levels than many adults. Studies show that student stress has increased by nearly 60%, and without proper breaks, that number will likely continue to grow. Implementing mental health days can provide students with a much-needed pause from academic pressure, promote awareness around mental wellness, and encourage healthy coping habits that benefit them long-term.

Overall, mental health days play a vital role in supporting students’ emotional well-being, academic success, and ability to manage stress. Overworking students only leads to burnout, which ultimately harms performance and motivation. Schools should strongly consider implementing mental health days that students can take when they need them, giving each student the opportunity to recharge and perform at their best.

Written by Bronson Sidoti

Edited by Josephina Emerson

Photo by Bronson Sidoti