Schools in Taiwan to start offering students mental health breaks
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In March, high schools in Taiwan will begin offering students a mental health break. In this way, they want to overcome the increase in the suicide rate among young people, reduce the level of stress and reduce the number of cases of depression.
The program, which has already been joined by more than 40 schools, means that high school students can apply for three days off each semester: full or part-time. At the same time, they do not have to explain the reason for the need, but only confirm the permission of the parents, writes The Guardian.
This initiative is a response to increasing mental health problems among young people in Taiwan. Between 2014 and 2022, the suicide rate among 15- to 24-year-olds there more than doubled.
Extreme academic pressure on students is called a key factor in stress, anxiety and depression.
In 2022, the Child Welfare League Foundation conducted a survey of students in Taiwan. 12% of them reported that they were under a lot of stress, and the level was twice as high among high school students as among younger students. Another quarter of high school students said they had experienced severe depression.
The survey showed that the main causes of stress for teenagers are:
- school classes (77%);
- future prospects (67%);
- interpersonal relationships (43%).
Hsiao Chi-hsien, a psychologist at the National Sun Yat-sen University’s Department of Counseling and Health Care, believes that mental health vacations are “a step in the right direction.”
“This will allow students to release the tension that has arisen and have time to rest to deal with the discomfort.” says Xiao.
He suggested the program could also help improve public attitudes toward mental illness.
“If mental discomfort is perceived as normal, students will feel more confident in seeking help.” – believes Xiao.
A similar program already operates in dozens of Taiwanese universities – our students can take up to five days off for mental health.
The National Taiwan University Students’ Union reported that 1,686 applications for mental health leave (about 5% of students) were submitted last semester. Among students of creative specialties, the share of those who took advantage of such a weekend was higher – 11%.
It will be recalled that scientists recorded a sharp increase in the use of antidepressants among young people after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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