Mental health days for students in Texas

Mental health days for students in Texas
Mental health is a prominent issue today, especially in teens. Statistics show that in the United States, 15.7% of adolescents aged 12-17 have experienced at least one major depressive episode. 31.9% of people in this same age group suffer from some kind of anxiety disorder. Suicide rates are higher than ever, with 11.2% of adolescent deaths being suicide. Students are pushing themselves too hard, and are punished and considered truant for missing school days due to mental health issues. Is it fair, or morally right to not allow students to practice self care? Is it not important to listen to our bodies and minds? States such as Oregon and Utah are now allowing their students to have mental health days. This in turn decreased their states’ suicide rates and increased students’ grade averages. Mental health days are a necessity.