Exam stress is becoming increasingly prevalent among children and adolescents, prompting charities to prepare for a rise in counseling demands.
- Between April 2023 and March 2024, Childline held 1,819 sessions with young people over exam-related stress, seeing peak demand in May.
- Students report feelings of exhaustion, isolation, and pressure to perform, affecting their sleep and mental health.
- Expert Lynn Crilly offers practical advice to help students manage stress effectively while emphasizing the normality of experiencing stress during exams.
- Crilly’s tips include maintaining self-care, staying organized, planning post-exam activities, seeking help, and engaging in supportive conversations.
Exam stress is a growing concern as more young people report experiencing significant pressure during these critical educational phases. Charities have noted a worrying rise in cases of exam-related stress, with organizations like Childline conducting a substantial number of counseling sessions over the past year. Students have expressed feelings of being overwhelmed by revision demands, compounded by societal and familial pressures.
Many students have shared that the stress often leads to sleepless nights and a lack of concentration, further impacting their academic performance and overall well-being. Expert counselor Lynn Crilly emphasizes the importance of recognizing that stress is a typical reaction to the pressures of exams. However, she warns that without proper management, these feelings can lead to detrimental effects such as irritability and forgetfulness.
Crilly, guided by her experience and knowledge, provides a range of strategies to cope with these challenges. A fundamental piece of advice she offers is to prioritize self-care. Engaging in activities like reading, walking, or eating healthy foods can significantly enhance one’s mental and physical well-being. A critical element of self-care she notes is maintaining a regular sleep schedule to combat the exhaustion that often accompanies intense study periods.
The significance of organization cannot be overstated in minimizing stress. Crilly suggests practical steps like using a whiteboard to jot down essential reminders, ensuring all exam necessities are prepared the night before, and reviewing such preparations to foster a calmer mindset.
Having plans for post-exam periods can also ease the anxiety regarding future unknowns. Engaging in activities like volunteering or part-time work can provide structure and direction while waiting for exam results, which can be beneficial to mental health.
Crilly advises students to not hesitate to ask for help when needed. Speaking to educational staff can lead to accommodations that alleviate pressure. Finally, she underscores the value of open communication, encouraging students to discuss their feelings with friends or family, which can provide mutual support during exam periods.
Implementing these strategies can significantly alleviate the stress associated with exams, promoting better mental health and academic performance.
