Face Off: Should people be able to take mental health days from school or work without a note from a doctor or parent?
- Each week, two readers debate a hot topic in a showdown that doesn’t necessarily reflect their personal viewpoints
- This week, they discuss whether a person should be able to have time off to take care of their mental health without submitting proof
Should people be able to take mental health days from school or work without a note from a doctor or parent? Photo: Shutterstock If you are interested in joining future Face Off debates, fill out this form to submit your application.
For: Anson Ng Wai Yan, 12, St Mary’s Canossian College
Like many other bustling cities worldwide, Hong Kong is a place where people can struggle to adapt to a fast-paced way of life.
The pressure of excelling at school, meeting work deadlines, and juggling multiple responsibilities can take a toll on one’s mental health. In a competitive and success-driven society, stress and high expectations can lead to feelings of emotional exhaustion.
This is why mental health days are important. A recent Mind HK survey revealed that around 38 per cent of the respondents living in Hong Kong said their mental health has worsened since January 2022. About half of the respondents showed symptoms of mild to severe depression.
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Taking a mental health day lets people step back, recharge, and prioritise their mental well-being. It also allows people to recover from the pressure they face before it escalates into more severe issues.
It is essential to recognise that pushing oneself to the limit without allowing for adequate rest and self-care can lead to decreased productivity, increased stress levels, and compromised mental health.
Moreover, mental health days permit individuals to have time to unwind. Engaging in activities that bring joy, relaxation, and a sense of well-being is crucial for mental hygiene.
Whether detaching from school projects, investing time in working out, spending time on hobbies, or seeking support from parents or loved ones, mental health days help us create healthy coping mechanisms.
Some may say that without proof from a doctor or parent, we cannot guarantee that students or workers are genuinely taking a break due to mental health problems or that they may abuse the privilege. One option to alleviate these complaints would be to have students write a note of personal reflection after their mental health day. This would also allow people to see how the time off helped them.
In conclusion, mental health days are imperative in preserving one’s psychological well-being in Hong Kong’s high-pressure environment.
Mental health issues can be less visible than physical ones. Thus, mental health days highlight the significance of prioritising mental well-being in the same way as physical health. It is fundamental for people to maintain a balanced lifestyle in Hong Kong’s dynamic society.
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Against: Adrian Chan Hei-chit, 14, Diocesan Boys’ School
A mental health day is a break from work and other responsibilities, allowing you to recharge and refresh your mind and body. People believe it can improve your mood and productivity, helping you gain more motivation and passion.
While it may seem like a tempting idea to take a break from the daily grind, I believe that people should not be able to take a mental health day without a note from a doctor or parent.
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First and foremost, the unregulated practice of taking mental health days without any proper documentation can lead to a significant drop in productivity. If individuals were allowed to take off from work or school whenever they felt they needed a break, it could foster a culture of laziness and irresponsibility. This lack of accountability could potentially lead to a misuse of the system, with people exploiting mental health days as a means to shirk their responsibilities.
It can affect social order or even put others’ lives at stake. Doctors and nurses are known to have stressful jobs, but if they take regular mental health days, patients needing urgent care may be at risk of irreversible consequences.
Furthermore, requiring a note from a doctor or parent serves a crucial purpose. It ensures that an individual’s mental health is being adequately addressed and managed.
By seeking guidance from a medical professional or a trusted guardian, the person can access the necessary support and resources to cope with their mental health struggles.
This not only benefits the individual in the long run but also fosters a culture of mental health awareness and support within the community.
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It is also essential to be proactive and take measures to prevent mental health problems from occurring. For example, it is important to take regular time each week to focus on hobbies. A study conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic showed that physical activity can help deal with difficult situations.
Overall, while it may seem convenient to take a mental health day without any required documentation, it is essential to consider the potential consequences of such a decision. By requiring a note from a doctor or parent, we can ensure that mental health days are taken seriously and are used as a tool for promoting self-care.