At this time of the year, you’re likely to be feeling hot under the collar as you put in the hours studying for exams and completing coursework in time. Finding a suitable outlet to discuss exam worries and concerns with isn’t always straightforward. Friends are often dealing with their own problems, parents grew up in a different era, and speaking to teachers about your worries can be a bit embarrassing. But, no matter how much of a red neck talking about your feelings might be, it can really help.
Everybody handles exam stress differently, but if you’re feeling like you’re not coping very well, you’re not alone. In recent years, the number of young people seeking phone-based counselling on exam stress has increased by 200%, according to child protection charity the NSPCC.
Confidential
The NSPCC provides the ChildLine counselling service, a free, confidential advice line which hundreds of Scots teens call every year. As part of their remit, the NSPCC encourages students us use ChildLine on the run up to exams, which can be used by anyone up to the age of 19. Talking helps to put things into perspective, and gives you that reassurance that everything is going to be OK, no matter how much of a panic you’re in.
“We try to reassure students and young people sitting exams that they’re not alone and that it’s really common to be worried about exams,” says Katie McGee, who works as the communications officer for NSPCC Scotland. “We hear a lot from young people of increasing pressure to do well in exams and feeling the pressure from parents to achieve certain grades and go onto study certain things.”
There’s no shame in discussing your anxieties with a counsellor, as coping with exams can be a big issue – and phone-based services like ChildLine are great because you can remain anonymous if you like, the counsellors have heaps of expert training and they’re never going to judge you. You definitely won’t be the first person to call worried about the impact revision is having on them, or freaking out about now knowing the material for exams.
Under control
It’s important that you get feelings of stress like this under control. Stress frequently affects your ability to sleep well, which can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and in some cases, eating disorders.
Katie stresses that students and young people should remember that if you don’t achieve the grades you wanted, it’s not the end of the world. “Students put pressure on themselves because they have set their sights on doing a particular course and they need the right grades,” she says. “What we would stress is that although exams are important, it’s not the be all and end all and there are other options. We would always encourage young people to speak to teachers, guidance counsellors and career advisors about their options.”
So, if you’re struggling at the moment, remember to take regular breaks and exercise, go to bed at a reasonable time, and think positively about your potential to do well – and don’t forget to speak to someone, whether that’s your mum, your best pal, your dog or a ChildLine counsellor, if things feel like they’re getting too much.
If you’re feeling stressed and want someone to talk to, you can call ChildLine free of charge now on 0800 11 11, or check out the ‘exam stress’ section of the website at www.childline.org.uk.
