Many college students experience anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. They are thinking of skipping classes to care for their mental health; experts say this should be encouraged.
What indicators point to the need for a break for our mental health?
It is typical for college students to have mental health problems like sadness and anxiety while managing to perform in a classroom. However, something is wrong if such symptoms affect your ability to go to class and engage in the subject, eat with friends in the dining hall, or participate in athletic and social activities.
How should we begin?
Students who feel that taking an absence leave is in their best interests should do so. However, you should first discuss it with a school psychologist, supervisor, or other experts on campus who deals with such issues. You may have tried counselling. Do you require fewer course hours? Or perhaps moving would be beneficial? Exist any circumstances in which staying would produce positive outcomes and help you succeed?
How can we safeguard our self-interests when on vacation?
Students must be aware of their institution’s stress leave policies and processes to safeguard their academic careers and economic interests and ensure a seamless transition back to the classroom.
At the beginning of the school year, inquire about course fees insurance coverage if you have a severe and enduring mental or physical health issue. You can be entitled to a sizable course fee refund if you subsequently need to go on a leave of absence due to a physical or mental health issue.
But many times, problems appear out of nowhere. If that occurs, be sure to find out what is necessary for you to take a leave of absence, what you must complete during your absence to fulfil school requirements, and how long you can be on leave before you must reapply to the school. Inquire about the status of your transcripts, student loans, grants, and fees.
How could we resume our studies in the healthiest way?
Even after they return to college, some students might need to continue their treatment. So before returning to campus, choose a supplier at or near your school. In this manner, you may more easily reintegrate into campus life without hunting for one. When you return, there is a lot to learn, and you don’t want to be searching for a therapist at the exact time.
Then, while selecting your classes for that first coursework, think about taking a lesser load. Continue to take care of yourself outside of class by maintaining healthy eating, exercise, and sleeping routines. Use the coping mechanisms you learned during your break when difficulties return, as they may.
I believe that students frequently perceive themselves as failures because they must take time off while, in reality, we want to push the wrong impression: ‘No, you’re the clever ones for realising the value of your health.
Ammara Waheed Arain has years of experience dealing with young people’s mental health.
